I am a graduate of Loyola University Chicago; First for my Bachelor’s in English and then again for my certificate in Paralegal Corporate Practices, I found the experiences challenging, impactful, and fruitful.

But attending, loving the Chicago neighborhoods around the campus, I quickly saw stark divisions of investment.

Education is often seen as the vehicle to overcome such divestment.

I have reflected on my own challenges with academics when life took unexpected turns.

I can see that I had a support network by me to push me to overcome.

I overcame. I graduated- and with my eduction and talents I found employment.

And with every challenge, I have found only further ways to utilize my skills.

Communication is utmost.

Empathy is necessary.

Creativity is helpful with logic.

Logic is helpful with creativity.

I have reflected that such lessons have brought out my talents further, not dampened them.

It was my work writing press releases in 2011 that taught me the need to be persuasive.

It was my work in Illinois policy that taught me to think with legal thinking.

It was my opening in to immigration legal work that opened my eyes to a career as a paralegal.

Now, for the last ten years, I can reflect back.

Imagine if every student who desired could have an education like mine, and the support needed to see it through.

Imagine what could be.

I can see contributions made.

But I can imagine more to come.