An NEIU Alumni Story—Desirae Rodriguez
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 student success professional Desirae Rodriguez discuss how their college experience not only clarified their career aspirations but shaped their personal mission, highlighting the indispensable role higher education plays in the lives of generating opportunity that is made possible by adequate funding.
From First-Gen Student to Higher Ed Professional: How NEIU Shaped My Journey
As a first-generation college student, my path through higher education has been shaped by both challenge and discovery. When I began my graduate studies at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), I entered with a clearer sense of purpose than I had as an undergraduate, but I was still searching for a space where I truly felt seen, supported, and aligned with the work I hoped to do long term.
I pursued my Master’s in Higher Education through the Engaging Latinx Communities for Education (ENLACE) program, an opportunity that immediately stood out to me. What drew me in was its intentional focus on centering the voices and experiences of first-generation students and emphasis on cultural competency. As someone who had navigated higher education without a roadmap, I knew this was the work I wanted to dedicate my career to. Being part of a program that not only acknowledged those experiences but uplifted them was deeply meaningful.
My experience at NEIU was transformative in ways that extended far beyond the classroom. One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to build genuine relationships with professors who were not only educators, but mentors. They created space for thoughtful dialogue, encouraged critical reflection, and challenged us to connect theory to real-world practice. Through meaningful class discussions and projects, I was able to explore the complexities of higher education systems and better understand how they impact students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Completing my practicum was another pivotal moment in my journey. It allowed me to apply what I was learning in a hands-on environment, deepening my understanding of student support work while strengthening my confidence as an emerging professional. That experience helped solidify my career direction and affirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be.
What made my time at NEIU especially significant was the strong sense of representation and belonging I felt throughout my program. In contrast to my undergraduate experience at a small private liberal arts college, where I often felt like I had to navigate spaces that were not designed with students like me in mind, NEIU offered something different. It provided an environment where my identity, experiences, and aspirations were reflected and valued.
That sense of belonging had a direct impact on my engagement as a student. I felt more confident participating in discussions, more connected to my peers, and more invested in my learning. It reminded me how critical it is for institutions to create inclusive spaces where students do not just have access but also feel affirmed and empowered.
Today, I work in education at a nonprofit organization that supports low-income, first-generation students with college access and persistence. Every day, I have the privilege of leading a team that supports students as they navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming, just as they once did for me. Through this work, I strive to foster the kind of support system that I once benefited from by guiding and empowering my team to provide encouragement, advocacy, and meaningful resources that help students reach their goals.
I carry with me the lessons, relationships, and sense of purpose that were cultivated during my time at NEIU. My experience there did not just prepare me for a career. It shaped my commitment to educational equity and strengthened my belief in the power of representation and community.
Reflecting on my journey, NEIU played an integral role in shaping not just my career path, but the person I have become. It reinforced my belief that when students are supported, seen, and given the space to grow, they do not just succeed; they thrive.