STUDENTS GET TUITION FULLY PAID TO UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Zenin Miller and his mother, who works at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Miller wants to be a pediatric neurologist. Photo courtesy of University of Chicago
Zenin Miller and his mother, who works at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Miller wants to be a pediatric neurologist. Photo courtesy of University of Chicago

Students get tuition fully paid to University of Chicago

BY TIA CAROL JONES
     Zenin Miller, a student at Walter Payton College Prep, is one of two students who will have their tuition fully paid for at the University of Chicago.
     Miller, a Hyde Park resident - whose mother is a nurse at the University of Chicago Medical Center - also participated in the University of Chicago’s Maroon Tutor Math program.
     The other student, Mia Rodgers is a resident of South Chicago and attends the University of Chicago Charter School (UCCS) Woodlawn. Rodgers participated in the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement’s Collegiate Scholars Program.
     Both students’ admission is part of the University’s UChicago Stand Together initiative. The goal of the initiative is to expand educational access and career success for students of color and underrepresented students. It also included a streamlined college preparation process for Chicago Public School students, where students received mentorship from University of Chicago admissions counselors.
Miller said it feels good to be part of the UChicago Stand Together initiative because he knows he has support around him.
     “I know that when I need help, I can always turn to them,” he said.
     Miller said having his tuition fully paid, takes a burden off of his mother, who he said, has worked really hard to get him to where he is now. He said it is 95 percent her and the work she put in.
Veronica Hauad is the deputy director of admissions. She added,   “UChicago Stand Together is our response to many of the issues and hopes our students have because of this year,” Hauad stated.        She said both Rodgers and Miller bring a wonderful balance. Academically, they are impressive students, but personally, they are impressive people, she said.
     “They’re going to do great in the classroom at UChicago,” Hauad said. “But they’re going to add so much to the UChicago community, being able to stay home and add to their hometown and their local community, I think that’s going to be exciting, as well,” she said.
     Hauad said the advising and mentoring piece meant more, when considering how students in public and charter schools deal with the disparities and tried to provide resources to students in need. The information wasn’t just for students interested in attending the               University of Chicago, but was also for students interested in other colleges and universities. She said data showed that more resources were necessary for students this year, especially for those who were the first in their families to pursue a higher education.
     She added it’s been “a year in which you need to add resources to the mix” to ensure students know how to apply to college and for financial aid.
     Miller said he wanted to go to the University of Chicago because all the students he knew, who tutored him and talked to him, always had a smile on their faces.
     “UChicago takes the time to give back to the next generation,” he said. “And, that’s just what I feel is best because when you succeed, it’s always great to bring someone halfway up the mountain with you. So, when they go down the mountain, and they succeed, they can bring someone else with them.”
     Miller wants to major in neuroscience and has a goal of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.
     “My mom, she’s a nurse in pediatric neurology,” he said. “I saw what she did, and I saw how she impacted the community and I just want to do the same thing.”

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