When speaking of my classmate Juan, I am reminded of a quote by former President Theodore Roosevelt pertaining to character. Roosevelt stated that ôAmericanism is a question of principle, of purpose, of idealism, of character. It is not a matter of birthplace or creed or line of descentö (Quotes, p. 1).
The middle child of three children raised by native Mexican parents, Juan was born in Chicago where he spent the first ten years of life before moving to his present home in Stickney. Juan is currently a student at Northern Illinois University, a freshman majoring in Electrical Engineering. Juan has always been fascinated by electricity and design, though he is not sure at this time what he wishes to do for a long-term career when he graduates from college.
Juan graduated from Norton High School in Berwyn, before enrolling at Northern Illinois. His older brother, younger sister and parents are a major source of inspiration and motivation for him. He is currently seeking a part-time job so he can pay his own tuition, as he appreciates all the sacrifices his parents have undergone in order for him to attend university. He also hopes to do so in order for his parents to have more funds available for his sisterÆs education.
At nineteen, Juan is still ambitious and his character is one that exhibits compassion toward others and great ambition. Though he is in his first year at Northern Illinois University and most students require four years to graduate, in order to achieve his goal of becoming self-supporting to aid his parents Juan hopes to graduate earlier than this. By taking summer classes he hopes he can graduate in two or two-and-a-half years, instead of the traditional four-year plan. He is currently taking classes at TC so that he can achieve his ambition of early graduation.
Though a young man, Juan continues to plan for his future life and success. He is not exactly sure where his degree in elect
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