What’s recently happened?
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) recently had an event open to all students needing help with their FAFSA, ScholarTrack account setup, and 21 Century Scholarship applications.
“I had a great experience at PNW. Everyone working there was kind and very helpful. I felt comfortable to ask them questions and they guided me through the whole process. My sibling went for help on her 21 Century Scholar application while I went for FAFSA,” said Husai Arredondo, a senior.
The event was on June 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. It took place at PNW in the student union and library building, rooms 214 and 262. It was open to the public and free of charge.
“My application as well as my sisters went by smoothly for the most part. Whenever there was an issue, I immediately got help and it was resolved,” said Husai Arredondo.
“I think they had a good team of people at the event. I was kind of nervous because I had no idea what the application was going to look like but thankfully everything was decently done. I also really liked being able to see the campus and socialize with other students,” said Ezbai Arrendono, a sophomore.
What’s coming up?
The Hammond Area Career Center (ACC) is pleased to announce the registration dates for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I’m excited to go back and see everyone new that comes into the class. However, it might be a little weird for me to see new people rather than the people I had in my class last year. I asked a second year before the school year ended if they would recommend me going back and they convinced me. I believe the work will be more challenging, but I feel like I will have more freedom and my teacher will trust the other second years and I to do our work solo,” said Ryan Rose, a second year at ACC.
The registration date will be on Thursday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a lunch break for instructors from one to 2 p.m. and registration will resume at two and finally end at 7 p.m..
“My first year at ACC was really good. I truly enjoyed the Radio and TV Productions class and am glad I decided to go back as a second year. I’m excited to see what the future holds. My first year, I was comfortable enough to ask the second years any questions I had regarding the work that was given and they always helped. I hope the first years see me that same way,” said Teagan Sullivan, another second year at ACC.
Additionally, ACC will also be hosting a parent orientation on Wednesday, August 14 at 6 p.m. Instructors will be sharing crucial information about each of their individual programs.
Community member spotlight:
Leslie Herrera was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Hammond, Indiana at just 5 years old. She attended Irving Elementary School, Eggers Middle School, and Hammond Academy of Science and Technology for high school. She is now attending Purdue University Northwest and is pursuing a major in biology.
When she first came to Hammond, Herrera knew very little English and would check out books from the school library to help her learn how to read and write better in English. She then went on to help other bilingual students struggling with the language as well get better.
“I honestly don’t really remember much from elementary school other than reading to be completely honest. I would check out up to three books a week just trying to learn. I had a best friend at the time that would also struggle with learning English and since I was put into a bilingual class with other students, it was obvious to them how much I had improved, so they asked me for help and I did,” said Herrera.
Over the next few years, Herrera ran for Girls on the Run every year during fourth and fifth grade along with all of middle school. Once she entered middle school, she joined the soccer team and has made friends she still keeps in touch with while being in college.
In high school, Herrera would volunteer every year at various festivals to help sell food, drinks, and many other various items. She then decided to begin a lash business and take a class learning everything she would need to be successful. Once she got her certification, Herrera wasted no time in taking clients and practicing non-stop.
“Growing up, my dad was always very overprotective and my mom loves horror movies and true life documentaries, so I was always a bit scared to get an actual job and have to work nights so I thought, ‘Why not just do something from home?’ I tried to do nails but immediately learned that wasn't the right path so I tried lashes and boom. It turns out I had a real talent for it,” said Herrera.
Since starting her lash business, Herrera has increased her followers daily and can take up to three clients in one day with each lash set taking at least two hours. Now, Herrera has even made goodie bags with a lash fan, aftercare, business card, and much more.
In addition to her business, Herrera is also attending school for dentistry. Deciding to go to college for dentistry came to Herrera when she got braces her sophomore year of high school. Seeing everyone in their scrubs socializing and enjoying their jobs led to her researching which then led to her choice.
“I was surprised by how interested I was in dentistry and I felt like it was perfect for me. Oddly enough, I had a meeting with my counselor at the beginning of my senior year and she told me to consider dentistry as an option. I’m really excited to see what my future’s going to look like,” said Herrera.