Born and raised in Chicago, Arlene Gonzalez attended Eberhart Elementary School from 1994 to 2003. Years later, as the mother of three children who now attend the same school, she found herself walking the same hallways once again. This time, however, she was there to serve her community as a Parent Mentor through the Southwest Organizing Project's (SWOP) Parent Mentor Program.
"It was a unique experience for me to walk the halls I once walked," Arlene shared. "After several decades, I was able to return and contribute to the school that was not only mine but is now a part of my children's lives."
During her year as a Parent Mentor, Arlene worked alongside seventh-grade students, providing classroom support while gaining a deeper understanding of the many ways schools rely on caring adults to help students succeed—not only academically, but emotionally as well.
"Sometimes we don't realize the support that schools need," she said. "That year, I realized all that I can contribute to my community's school."
Rather than seeing her Parent Mentor experience as the finish line, Arlene saw it as the beginning of something bigger. She decided to continue her educational journey by pursuing her paraprofessional license.
With guidance from Parent Mentor staff members Angelica Ferreira and Jonathan Perez, Arlene was connected to the information, resources, and encouragement she needed to move forward. They helped her prepare for the WorkKeys assessment, reviewing materials with her and ensuring she felt confident before taking the exam.
After successfully passing the WorkKeys test, Arlene continued through the licensing process and ultimately earned her paraprofessional license, opening the door to a new career.
Today, she proudly works as a SECA (Special Education Classroom Assistant) at Eberhart Elementary School—the very school that shaped her as a student and where her own children now attend.
Throughout the entire process, Arlene says one thing made all the difference: knowing she never had to navigate the journey alone.
"I never felt alone or lost throughout the entire process," she said. "I always had Angelica and Jonathan by my side. They always answered any questions I had, and they always reached out to ask how I was doing."
Looking back, Arlene is proud of the decision she made to keep moving forward. What began as a year of volunteering in her children's school became the pathway to a meaningful career serving students every day.
For parents who may be hesitant about joining the Parent Mentor Program, Arlene offers heartfelt encouragement.
"My advice to those who have heard about the program and are unsure is to give yourself the opportunity to be a Parent Mentor at your child's school," she said. "Perhaps, like me, you will find that missing piece you were looking for in your life."
