Happy International Women's Day from Schuler

March 8 is International Women's Day and we are celebrating at Schuler. We asked our Scholars to reflect on today and here are some of the thoughts they shared with us:

On their hopes and dreams for the future...

Jordyn Lofton at a recent exposure to the Adler Planetarium.

“I’d like to become a combat engineer in the military. I want to go to college and specialize in engineering.” Lauri Arizmendi, North Chicago High School ‘19

"My goal for the future is to be known for my accomplishments in life, not for my gender, not for my race, not for my sexuality, but for the things that I do as a human.” Rejanae C. Jemerson, North Chicago High School ‘19

“My dreams and hopes for the future are very specific and focused. I plan to major in marketing and receive my Executive MBA by the time I’m 26. My dream job is to be a marketing specialist in the cosmetic field. I’ve always hoped that I could provide for my family as a result of these accomplishments.” Jordyn Lofton, Zion Benton Township High School ‘18

Daisy Rojas

“My hope for the future is to become a math teacher or a dance choreographer. My advice for others is that you can do anything you set your mind to.” Cheytonn Orsby, North Chicago High School ‘19

“My goal is to have younger people look up to me, because that means I’m doing something right." Yveth Capote, North Chicago High School ‘19

“My hope for the future is to be successful and have a career. I want to have a better life and give my parents a better life as well. I want to give my parents vacations; I want to know the world with them and also with friends.” Daisy Rojas, North Chicago High School ’19 

“My dreams and hopes for the future it that I have a stable job and one that I love. Also that I can be a role model for girls not only in my family but also the ones around me.” Alondra Balderas, North Chicago High School ‘16

“My dream is to become an orthopedic or plastic surgeon.” Kenya Cooper, North Chicago High School ‘17

On strong female role models...

Zach Szekely

“My mom has been a huge role model in my life. A lot of my talents and knowledge come from her. I wouldn’t be the “me” that I’m proud of if it wasn’t for her.” Zack Szekely, Zion Benton Township High School 

“A strong female role model that I have is my sister because she has taught me to not give up and always try my hardest.” Edgar Gutierrez, North Chicago High School ‘19

“My mother has been a very strong role in my life. She came here when she was young. She adapted and graduated. Also when she was laid off she didn’t give up. Instead she went to college and earned a degree. She continues to work hard and go to school.” Joel Anguiano, Zion Benton Township High School ’19

Michael Waiters

“One strong female who I look up to the most is my cousin because she has received various scholarships, was the first in the family to go to college and is currently studying communications in graduate school in California.” Jose Tenorio, North Chicago High School ‘17 

“My mom has been a strong female role model for me because she has taken care of me by herself.” Michael Waiters, North Chicago High School ‘19

“Hilary Clinton is a strong female role model for me because she is brave enough to run for president.” Raeshaun Samoa, North Chicago High School ‘19 

“A strong female role model that I have is my mother. She has been there for me in the good and bad times.  My mother is an important part of my life and I don’t know where I would be without her.” Erik Gonzalez, North Chicago High School ‘19

On advice they would share with other girls...

Sharianna Wallace at camp this past summer.

“The advice I would give fellow girls is no matter what people think of you, to not let that affect you because at the end of the day it’s about you and you only.” Sharianna Wallace, North Chicago High School ‘19

“Some advice I would give girls is to never give up. There will be obstacles throughout your life but you have to get through it. Think about the present and future and try to forget the past and better your life.” Daisy Rojas, North Chicago High School ’19

“Balancing out your time for priorities is important. If you don’t schedule your time correctly to fit your needs, life gets overwhelming.” Elena Aparicio-Glover, New Tech High @ Zion Benton East ‘19

“My advice for a girl would be to dream big and push your limits. You don't how much you can do until you've done it and don't be afraid of hard work. Hard work becomes second nature to someone who wishes to succeed.” Jasmin Villaseñor, North Chicago High School ‘17

Jada Kilpatrick

“I would say to girls who look up to me to be true to yourself and what you believe in. Don’t mind the gender, language, or race barrier you can do anything you put your mind to. My hope for the future is to be a very successful anesthesiologist and enjoy life.” Jada Kilpatrick, North Chicago High School ‘19

“Keep on chasing after your dreams and goals without caring who it satisfies, the only person who it should satisfy is you because if you try to satisfy other people, you will never feel accomplished and happy.” Maria Ayala, North Chicago High School ‘17

Anahi Alcoser 

“The advice I would give to girls would be to not let anyone or anything tell you who you can be, who you have to be, or what you can or cannot do.” Anahi Alcoser, North Chicago High School ‘19

“The advice I would give to girls that look up to me would be to always be themselves. It's easy to get caught up in the moment in order to please other people, but it's okay to be selfish sometimes. I would also advise them to do whatever makes them happy." Citlalli Lopez, North Chicago High School ‘17