Jaqueza Thomas

A couple weeks ago I received the Chancellor’s Student Service Award at UIC. To be honest, I went back and forth about even attending, and even more about posting this. Not because it wasn’t meaningful, but because I’ve never done this work for recognition. I do it because I care. I do it because I’ve seen what happens when young people are given a real chance.

But this moment isn’t just about me. It’s about every young person I’ve had the chance to work with, every space we’ve created, and every reminder that this work matters. Grateful for the moment, but even more focused on the work ahead.

#jaqueza #uic #chicagoemergingstars