Carolay Alvarado of Northlake is the winner of the AAUW Elmhurst Area Branch 2017 Dare to Dream: Get Educated! Scholarship.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I used to live in Humboldt Park, and then we moved to Addison. I moved to Northlake in third grade. I attended West Leyden High School.
Q: What activities were you involved in at West Leyden?
A: I was the student council president. I was a member of student government. I was on the swim team all four years, and I was the captain my senior year. I was the president of the Spanish Honors Society, member of National Honors Society and president of Key Club. I was also involved in band.
Q: Tell me about the Dare to Dream: Get Educated! Conference.
A: It is a one-day conference for Latina middle school girls. The conference is to promote opportunities for young Latinas. They taught us to never give up.
Q: What is the Elmhurst AAUW Dare to Dream scholarship?
A: The scholarship is for young Latinas in the community who had to overcome obstacles.
Q: How did you apply for the scholarship?
A: In order to apply, you had to attend Dare to Dream: Get Educated! Conference. I had to write an essay, send my transcripts and send in teacher recommendations.
Q: Where did they present the scholarship to you?
A: It was presented to me at West Leyden’s Awards Night. Dare to Dream Board Member Diana Diaz-Espindola presented me with the scholarship.
Q: How did you feel when you received the scholarship?
A: I was overwhelmed. I was very grateful and happy.
Q: Where do you plan on attending college in the fall?
A: I plan on going to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.
Q: What will be your major?
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I’ve always liked science since I was a kid. I took honors chemistry and then AP chemistry. Chemistry has always been my favorite subject. I want to be an obstetrician/gynecologist.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: In college, I want to be active in the Latino community. I want to make sure that I stay grounded in my roots.
Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.