Alexis Cuadrado
I once heard the quote: “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is pulling you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great.”
Antoinette Hicks had been out of the classroom for 30 years before deciding to reignite her educational journey at Olive-Harvey College. She had previously attended two years of college at DePaul University but put her studies on hold to start a family.
Antoinette’s decision to enroll at Olive-Harvey was strategic—she wanted to find a caring, supportive community where she could pursue a degree in early childhood education. Now, as a student ambassador, she’s helping others find that same sense of community.
Based on her desire to give back, Antoinette received a City Colleges of Chicago Luminary Award in 2023. After she earns her associate degree in early childhood education, she plans to continue her education in the field and eventually become a pre-school teacher.