Araceli Diaz
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Education and Training
- B.A. Sociology, Minors—Latino/a Studies & Gender and Women’s Studies University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Benito Juarez Community Academy High School,
Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I was fortunate enough to attend a great college preparatory high school where going to a four year university was not an option- it was expected. As I began to take more Latina/o Studies classes in college however, I grew increasingly frustrated to read too many different accounts of low income students being told college was not a real option for them. Nothing else I studied made me want to take action as much as inequalities in education, and I look forward to being the person that pushes my students to challenge themselves to achieve all of their aspirations."
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Ashley Okooboh
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Education and Training
- B.A. Legal Studies & Criminal Justice, University of Illinois Springfield
High School:
Michele Clark Academic Preparatory Magnet High School,
Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I was granted the wonderful opportunity of achieving my college dream. Becoming an adviser for the Illinois College Advising Corps gives me the chance of assisting and supporting students who are not able to achieve their college aspirations. The Corps awards me with the gratitude of changing the life of more than one student. "
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Ashley Thompson
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Education and Training
- Bachelor's degree in Communication, University of Illinois at Chicago
High School:
Peoria Manual High School, Peoria, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"Acknowledging various educational disparities within our country, I feel that it is very important to encourage and educate students on the benefits of a college education. Providing students with support and guidance will show them that a college education is attainable. Students gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment is a rewarding factor; it will encourage them to lead and strive for goals which can bring change into the world."
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Brittney Beck
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Education and Training
- B.A. Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago
High School:
Rich South & East High School, Olympia Fields, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"Illinois College Advising Corps is an organization that is focused on providing support services for underrepresented populations, which is a mission that I share. After attending high school, I was unsure of how to go to college, which college would be best for me, and how I was going to afford the expenses. I am most looking forward to helping students to realize that their goals of receiving a post-secondary education are attainable."
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Dan Brumbach
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Education and Training
- B.A. Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- College Adviser, Waukegan High School 2010-2011
- After School Basketball Program Coordinator, Joseph Brennemann Elementary School (‘05)
High School:
Wells High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"My division teacher once told me, “You have a zero percent chance of getting in to the University of Illinois if you don’t try.” That piece of advice inspired me to apply and eventually graduate from the University of Illinois. Now it is my turn to inspire students to go to college."
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Danah McAlpin
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Education and Training
- Bachelor of Science in Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Richard T. Crane Technical Preparatory High School,
Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"When presented the opportunity through ICAC to inspire and motivate the students within my community to pursue higher education, there was no way I could say no. As a first generation graduate myself, I understand the struggles that many of our youth face today and I am dedicated to being their support system, advocate, and most importantly, a good role model."
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Danny Mason
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Education and Training
- B.A. Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Rich Central & East High School, CPark Forest, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I once read that "education is the fault line. Those who have it fare well, then those who do not may not." Students need guidance to help them realize the endless opportunities of higher learning. By working with students; promoting college as an option, I give my students a better opportunity to "fare well"."
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Dara Abina
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Education and Training
- B.A. Business Management & Administration, University of Illinois Springfield
High School:
Walter H. Dyett High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I have always had a passion for education. I decided to join the Advising Corps to gain essential skills and training to assist students in their path to post-secondary education. I will encourage my students to look past adversity and put their destiny in their own hands."
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Dean Choi
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Education and Training
- B.S. Political Science & Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Gage Park High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"ICAC college advising is something I wish I was fortunate enough to have growing up because I believe that a near peer model is one of the most successful components to a student’s education. Education is what helped shape my life into who I am today, and I want to make sure that every student knows that college is not impossible, because I remember exactly what it was like to be there."
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Durrell Sheppard
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Education and Training
- B.A. Criminology, Justice and Law, University of Illinois Chicago
High School:
Corliss High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I joined the corps to assist students who are unaware of many of the opportunities college has to offer. The Corps will also allow me to put students on the right path and promote a college going culture within the high school."
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Eileen To
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Education and Training
- Bachelor's degree in Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Thomas Kelly High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I joined the corps because I am a big advocate for higher education and I believe that students, especially those who are underprivileged, need to be exposed to the idea of college and its possibilities. I am happy to be able to take my own experiences and knowledge and share it with students in hopes of making a positive difference in their life."
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Erin Howell
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Education and Training
- B.A. Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Lanphier High School, Springfield, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"As a first-generation college student, I not only understand the importance of obtaining a post-secondary education, but I realize how difficult that task can be without the proper preparation, support, and guidance. Through my experience with ICAC, I hope to provide these resource for my students so that at the end of each academic year, my students will have one foot in high school and one foot planted firmly in college."
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Jose Valencia
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Education and Training
- B.A. History, University of Illinois Chicago
High School:
Waukegan High School - Brookside Campus, Waukegan, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"As a first generation college graduate that struggled through high school and to be admitted into college, I can relate with students who are unsure of what the future holds for them and whether college is for them. For me, working with young adults and helping them on their life paths is not a job, but a passion. I am thankful to have the opportunity to help students at such pivotal points in their lives and empower them with the experience and training that I have received."
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Keenan Thompson
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Education and Training
- B.A. Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Rantoul Township High School, Rantoul, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,’ - Benjamin Franklin. Those words have inspired my passion to give back to our youth, help them broaden their horizon and achieve the unthinkable. Post secondary education isn’t promoted in every high school and if we don’t inform our students who will? I joined ICAC to help the youth push onward and upward towards higher education."
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Kerry Davis
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Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Teaching of English, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Type 09 Teaching Certification
High School:
Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School
Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"As a struggling high school student, I never believed I would be able to attend college, and that attitude negatively impacted my performance in the classroom. When I decided to go to college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education to dispel the notion that college is for the honor roll students only. During my student and substitute teaching experience in Chicago Public Schools, I realized that A LOT of students believe that high school is their finale in education, and consequently they lacked the motivation and incentive to work hard. I am excited to support the college going culture at Roberto Clemente high school and help both the most eager and at risk students pursue a college education."
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Krystina Briones
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Education and Training
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a Minor in Latina/o Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Waukegan High School - Washington Campus, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"It is a personal goal of mine to assist in making a post-secondary education accessible to EVERYONE. As a first generation college graduate, I am committed to the mission of ICAC and look forward to equipping high school students with the knowledge and motivation to find the perfect fit for their futures."
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Kristina Mamon
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Education and Training
- B.A. Communication, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Crete-Monee High School, Crete, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"Giving back to the community is something I have always valued. It is a true blessing to be a part of the Illinois College Advising Corps. This program allows me to learn key skills in helping students gain access to opportunity and education and that is simply amazing!"
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Leah Pasquesi
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Education and Training
- B.A. Psychology, Minor—Sociology University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
East Aurora High School, Aurora, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I believe that every student in our country should have access to higher education regardless of their race, class, disability status, sexual orientation, or gender. I am passionate about education and am excited to share my resources, knowledge, as well as own experiences with the students I serve in order to empower them to reach their greatest potential. By empowering students, I want to help guide them in making college a reality."
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Lena Foote
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Education and Training
- B.A. Media Studies, Minor—Gender and Women’s Studies University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Frederick Douglass Academy High School, Chicago, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I decided to join the Illinois College Advising Corps because I was a student that believed that numbers (GPA and ACT) determined everything, but I was given constant encouragement from my high school college counselor that I could reach my full potential. Knowing that I can be that voice of encouragement to students who may feel the same way makes me realize that I can change someone's whole future because I took the time to inquire about their college aspirations."
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Rodrigo Lopez
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Education and Training
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago
High School:
Round Lake Senior High School, Round Lake, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I am thankful for the great opportunity that the Illinois College Advising Corps have granted me. As I remember my College search experience in High School, I am troubled by the fact that I cannot seem to find an exciting memory. However, I found the right people at the community college who understood my background and believed in my potential. Since my experience in community college, I have found a passion for reaching out to teenagers who are simply looking for an individual to believe in them! I have joined ICAC with the sole purpose to help out as many students possible, in order to help them search throughout the college process."
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Sarah Dickson
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Education and Training
- Bachelor's degree in English, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Springfield Southeast High School, Springfield, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"I am passionate about education, and I believe that every person deserves a chance to access college and find success there. Helping students recognize their potential fulfills my passion for education and public service. Watching students recognize their own self-empowerment is all the intrinsic reward I need to know I have done my job well."
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Sivling Heng
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Education and Training
- B.A. Psychology, Minor—English University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
High School:
Maine East High School, Park Ridge, Illinois
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Why did you Join the Corps?
"There are so many resources available to help students access college of which they are simply not aware. I want to not only educate my students about these resources by being their advocate, but by also equipping them with the tools to empower them to be their own advocate for success."
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