The First Word
A Little Help from Fried Bologna By Rebecca Estrada ‘12 Master of Business Administration
I grew up eating fried bologna sandwiches. I should clarify that it was on tortillas and not bread, so essentially it was a taco. This was the easy, quick and cheap way to eat, as I was raised by a single mom on the South Side of Chicago with three daughters to feed. I also ate eggs with hot dogs. My husband claims he has never eaten that; little does he know that I have made it for him many times, but I just cut the hot dogs in small chunks. I share this with you not to discuss my culinary expertise, but because I am proud of how my upbringing has made me the person I am today. I’ve always known education is important. My mother struggled and worked two jobs to have my sisters and me attend private schools.
She always encouraged us to stay in school and get our education — to become strong, independent women. After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I thought my job was done and I had accomplished my goals. By that time, I already had my family. I was married with the house, kids and the dog. I was working full time and felt good about the work I was doing. But after attending an orientation for the Leadership Through Education program at El Valor, a social services agency serving the Latino community in Chicago’s near-South side Pilsen neighborhood, and learning of the partnership with National Louis University, I knew I had to do more. I did not want to stay comfortable in a position where I was not able to make major decisions. So I enrolled in the MBA program at NLU. I remember doing my homework with the kids at
restaurants and at the dining room table. I even took my computer with me when we would go on vacation so I could make sure my assignments were submitted on time. My kids saw that and shared in my experience. Today I am proud to work as the Senior Director of Programs and Quality Assurance at Erie Neighborhood House, a social service agency that promotes social justice, empowers families and educates communities in West Town and surrounding neighborhoods in Chicago. I am able to work in the same communities that I grew up in and to give back to the people who have helped me. And when I am stressed thinking about the Illinois state budget crisis and trying to think of solutions for our organization, then I have a fried bologna taco to help.
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