When Maria Serrano first entered Pathways in Education – Illinois, she was at a crossroads. Her experience at a traditional high school left her feeling unmotivated and disconnected, but her time at Pathways transformed her outlook and set her on a path to success. Maria’s story is a powerful testament to the supportive, personalized environment that Pathways offers its students—a place where individuals are empowered to reclaim their education and their futures.
A Challenging StartMaria’s journey began at Roberto Clemente High School, where she struggled to find her footing. The environment was far from conducive to learning; the interactions with peers were often negative, and the lack of one-on-one time with teachers made it difficult for Maria to stay engaged. As a result, she began to skip classes and eventually dropped out for three months, feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
Reflecting on this challenging time, Maria shares, “I started to withdraw from friends and family, and I lost all motivation to graduate and achieve my goals.”
Finding a New PathMaria’s mother knew that her daughter needed a different kind of educational experience—one that would meet her unique needs and reignite her passion for learning. That opportunity came when Maria enrolled at Pathways in Education’s Humboldt Park campus, following in the footsteps of her sister, Selina, who had successfully graduated from Pathways.
“The Pathways Humboldt Park campus may be a small school, but it is mighty,” Maria says. “It provided me the one-on-one time with my teachers that I needed, in a relaxed environment.”
At Pathways, Maria found the supportive community she had been missing. The personalized attention from teachers, especially during critical moments, helped her get back on track academically. The nurturing environment at Pathways reminded her that her goals were within reach and that she wasn’t alone in her journey.
Building Lifelong ConnectionsOne of the most impactful aspects of Maria’s time at Pathways was the strong relationships she formed with both students and staff. “During my time at Pathways, I made great friendships that I can call family to this day,” Maria recalls. These connections played a crucial role in helping her regain her confidence and motivation.
Maria Serrano with her Graduating Class of 2024 at Pathways In Education- Ilinois. (Source: Pathways In Education)
Maria’s positive influence didn’t go unnoticed by the faculty at Pathways. Her teacher, Sydney, shares, “Maria is an enthusiastic learner who has truly left her mark on Pathways Humboldt Park. She has positively influenced every student and teacher in this school, which becomes obvious as soon as she walks through the door. Her bright personality and positive attitude are contagious, and her perseverance to succeed is so obvious in her hard work. She is an inspiration, and I am so grateful to have had her as a student.”
Sydney’s words highlight the profound impact Maria had on those around her. Not only did she overcome her personal challenges, but she also became a source of inspiration and motivation for her peers and teachers alike.
Pathways also offered Maria and her classmates unique opportunities to bond outside of the classroom. Through school trips to visit other schools, cities, ranches, and even other countries, Maria and her peers were able to explore different environments, gain new perspectives, and learn valuable life lessons. These experiences not only enriched their education but also created unforgettable memories and strengthened their sense of community.
“I don’t know of any other school that cultivates the type of positive environments that Pathways in Education has created,” Maria says. “Not everyone has these opportunities.”
Stepping Out of the Comfort ZoneMaria’s time at Pathways wasn’t just about academic recovery—it was also about personal growth. The school’s supportive atmosphere encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new experiences. This willingness to try new things led to some of Maria’s most cherished memories and taught her important lessons about herself.
“Pathways also taught me the power of strength and the importance of a supportive community,” she reflects. “I have learned that even when faced with challenges and barriers, I can choose to have the strength to overcome them with the help of those around me. It’s okay to ask for help and lean on people!”
Maria Serrano receiving her diploma from Principal Matthew Wienclawski with her Graduating Class of 2024 at Pathways In Education- Ilinois. (Source: Pathways In Education)
Looking Toward the FutureAs Maria prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, she does so with a renewed sense of confidence and determination. The lessons she learned at Pathways—about resilience, community, and the power of stepping out of her comfort zone—will continue to guide her as she pursues higher education and her future goals.
“I am eager, motivated, and even more confident to continue my journey,” Maria says. “We can achieve our goals and make a positive difference in the world, which we all know is so needed right now.”
Pathways’ Impact
Maria Serrano’s story is just one of many that highlight the transformative impact of Pathways in Education. For students who feel disconnected or unmotivated in traditional school settings, Pathways offers a place where they can find the support, encouragement, and personalized education they need to thrive. As Maria looks back on her time at Pathways, she does so with gratitude and pride, knowing that the lessons and relationships she gained will stay with her for a lifetime.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the unique environment that Pathways in Education provides, consider enrolling today. At Pathways, every student has the opportunity to shape their future, just as Maria did.
