Later, at Benito Juarez High School, the support of teachers, counselors and community members led me to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where I fully realized how education could transform my life.

Tensions are escalating between supporters of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has called for Martinez to resign.

The Civic Committee and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce added their voice to a host of civic leaders and elected officials backing Martinez, who has refused to step down despite flak from the CTU as well as a call from Brandon Johnson to resign.