An NEIU Alumni Story— Bob Chikos

An NEIU Alumni Story

The current work to transform how Illinois funds its public universities and their ability to effectively support and graduate the students they enroll underscores a clear vision for our state: one where its prosperity is predicated on a healthy postsecondary landscape anchored by well-funded four-year institutions as critical engines of opportunity. In pursuing a college degree, students access a world of more opportunity for themselves and their families and their communities.

This spring, alumni of the state’s public universities including Crystal Lake high school special education teacher Bob Chikos, discuss how their college experience not only clarified their career aspirations but shaped their personal mission, highlighting the indispensable role higher education plays in generating opportunity that is made possible by adequate funding.

Clearing Hurdles to Serve, Lead, and Teach

Hurdles are constructive; they help those who are committed to succeed.

Barriers are destructive; they keep committed people out.

Like many people, I had a degree in a liberal arts, but I didn’t know what to do with it. I envied people who knew what they wanted to do and then pursued it. My hope of “figuring it out in college” didn’t materialize, and I found myself without a path to a promising career.

I found employment at a facility for adults with disabilities, teaching sports and recreation to the clients. I loved working with the population, but I could not support my family on the salary. I felt like my choice was to either become a certified teacher or go into a field where I would likely not be serving people with special needs.

I looked for a program that would fit. As the father of a young child with a mortgage and living expenses, I could not quit my job to enroll as a full-time student. As someone with a low income, I could not afford an expensive program.

My prayers were answered when I learned of a cohort program by Northeastern Illinois University at the University Center in Grayslake. The Center was close to my work, was affordable, and most importantly, held classes after my work hours. In two years, I would be certified as a special education teacher.

My time in the cohort was transformative. I went in just wanting the piece of paper that would allow me to teach. What I got instead were valuable tools that allowed me to become a great teacher. 

First and foremost, my professors were wise and caring. They had many years of experience working both as teachers and as professors training teachers. What struck me most about them was their flexibility. As someone without access to a school in the early stages of my program, they were able to observe my lessons at my then-workplace. 

Second, my classmates were just like me - folks who hadn’t been sure of what to do with their careers but were looking for an opportunity to serve. Among them were paraprofessionals, current teachers looking to serve in special education, and even a retired man who was looking to give back to his community. 

The end of my program was quite emotional for me. My parents, wife, and then-five-year-old son saw me walk at graduation. In the crowd around me, I saw others with their children and I heard many languages. The graduate who sang the national anthem was an immigrant from Mexico and I thought, “this is what America should be about - the promise of opportunity.” 

People come from many backgrounds go to Northeastern Illinois University. The NEIU community doesn’t put up barriers to keep people out; it trains people to clear hurdles. I am proud to call myself an alumnus for Northeastern Illinois University and I look forward to many years of it serving our state.