Alejandra’s Update

Alejandra started coming to ICI when she was 11, attending clubs and eventually being part of ICI’s leadership development program. When it came time for college, her mentors at ICI encouraged her to pursue her dreams. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the mentors at ICI encouraging me along the way and pushing me to apply for the scholarship that I received at Taylor University,” she said.

Though Alejandra graduated just days ago on May 15th, she is already looking forward to continuing her career in education with a one year accelerated master’s degree in education at DePaul. This program includes a teaching residency in Gauge Park, where she plans to lead a Bible club, as well.

God is using Alejandra’s own journey to reach kids. “What I went through was hard. I recognize the toxic relationships and environment that I grew up in. As I’ve grown into an adult, I’ve became passionate about seeing youth transform their lives by developing an identity that is different from the identities they see around them. To do this I know I will have to be available to help, nurture, love, and be there for them.”

Alejandra saw this modeled for her at ICI: “When I didn’t believe in my own abilities I remember the difference it made to hear, ‘I believe in you. You can do this.’ Those words are so important when you don’t hear them in other places.” As Alejandra graduates from Taylor University, another ICI student is following in her footsteps at Taylor.