Head of the Class: Meet 2025 PNW graduate Fatima Chavez
Inspired by a part-time, paraprofessional job at a local high school, Fatima Chavez, ‘25, is set to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education: Special Needs from the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) at Purdue University Northwest with a minor in Spanish.
Chavez started her educational journey at PNW as a business major. She also took on a part-time job at a local high school, working in an applied skills special education classroom. That experience changed everything and the Chesterton native decided to change her major. “I knew this was my passion,” says Chavez.
As a first-generation college student, Chavez was able to take advantage of the many opportunities PNW’s TRIO Student Support Services offered, including attending the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Conference.
During her time at PNW, she was a CHESS peer mentor, a member of the Aspiring Educators, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, and the Honors College, where she was the founding chair of the Honors College Hispanic Student Association and served as chair of Honors Events on the Honors Student Advisory Board. In addition, she helped organize college career fairs and presented on college readiness for local middle school students, and helped organize the Roaring Back to School Backpack Give-away. She also had the opportunity to attend both the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference (USHLI) and the Mid-East Honors Association Conference (MEHA).
After graduation, Chavez will be applying for teaching positions. She is looking to pursue a master’s degree and eventually move into an educational leadership position as a principal or superintendent. Her ultimate goal is to become a college professor later in her career.
There’s always someone willing to help and go above and beyond—the support is there and ready.
What did you like most about PNW?
“Definitely the environment. It’s always felt really supportive to me. There’s always someone willing to help and go above and beyond—the support is there and ready.”
What did you like most about the Elementary Education program at PNW?
“My professors were amazing! I loved their ability to create relationships with every student and provide a comfortable environment for learning.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“In many different ways, from helping me develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, to gaining experience interacting with others positively and working as a team. Most importantly, it taught me to believe in myself”.
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“In high school I never really saw myself in leadership roles – I didn’t believe I belonged in those positions and I carried that into college. Then I met another student who invited me to attend a conference through the Honors College. I went and was suddenly surrounded by all these amazing student leaders who were just like me – it hit me that if they can do it, why not me? That was the turning point. I realized I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself. That shift in mindset pushed me to get involved, take on leadership roles and really believe in myself.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“Campus life is what you make of it. Get involved. Start networking and making connections and friends.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Christina Maldonado
Parent, Community, and Early Education Liaison
“Working with Christina was one of my favorite things. She’s also a teacher and works with providing resources to students and parents about college – things I wish my parents had access to when I was younger. Seeing all the great work she is doing makes me really admire her. She’s definitely one of my mentors.”
Iris Sanchez
Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives
“I met Iris when she came up to me on campus and said she looked forward to working with me. I was surprised that she knew who I was. Working with Iris, I found a sense of belonging.
Meet the Spring 2025 Graduates
Discover what drives our remarkable Spring 2025 graduates. From late-night study sessions to campus milestones, see how they’re Powering Onward.