At Clemente, we believe that each student needs a post-secondary plan that fits their individual goals, in order for them to have the best chance at success. As this year’s seniors are making their final post-secondary choices, some students have decided to investigate programs outside of the traditional college setting. Here are their stories:
Isaiah Bermudez: US Army or US Air Force
When talking about his post-secondary goals, Isaiah has a clear path in mind. “I have always wanted to be a police officer. What better way to get prepared than to join the military?” Although he has applied to many different colleges and has been admitted to several, including Northeastern Illinois University and Triton College, Isaiah continues to revisit the option of joining the military. “If this doesn’t work out, I will still go to college. But I think this is a better plan for me.” In the military, Isaiah hopes to join the Special Forces and eventually return to Chicago to become a police officer or detective.
Demetrius Crespo: US Army or Carpentry Apprenticeship
Demetrius has had some ups and downs throughout his high school career, but they have helped him gain insight into what he wants to do. “I’ve learned a lot about myself. Before ROTC, I never wanted to listen to anybody. Through RO, I learned to understand the reasoning behind the orders and I accept them.” Demetrius hopes to join the Army and become a soldier, while learning the carpentry trade. “I want to learn how to build things. This will allow me to do the things I want to do for a living.” If the Army does not work out, Demetrius plans to pursue an apprenticeship in the carpentry field.
Rosa Ramirez: Americorps City Year
Next year, Rosa Ramirez will be helping school-aged students around Chicago when she is an Americorps City Year member. City Year is an important program that aims to help students from low-income backgrounds be successful in school and graduate from high school. City Year has programs in cities all over the United States, including Denver, Tulsa, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Dallas, and Philadelphia, just to name a few. City Year members gain valuable job skills while being paid a living stipend and earning grants and scholarships for future educational opportunities. Rosa said, “When I think about my little cousins, I want them to have the opportunity to learn. I am really interested in helping kids.” City Year will give her the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many kids throughout Chicago.