A math teacher at Springman Middle School in Glenview, Deyanira Cardenas C’06 says it was her professors at North Park who showed her how compassionate teachers can make a difference in a student’s life.
“I never felt like I was just one of many faces,” Cardenas says of her time at North Park. She remembers Math Professor Rachelle Ankney taking her under her wing as a math student, offering countless hours outside the classroom and making Cardenas always feel comfortable asking questions.
“After classes, she could have said, ‘my job is done,’ but she was the opposite,” says Cardenas, who is part of the College of Arts and Sciences new advisory board. She and nine other alums will serve as resources for faculty and students and assist in enhancing the mission and vision of CAS.
Another mentor for Cardenas was the late Nancy Berggren, an assistant professor of education and coordinator of clinical experiences. Cardenas says she will never forget the first time Berggren observed her student teaching.
“I thought it was a pretty good lesson, but I wasn’t expecting afterwards when Nancy gave me this humongous grin. She said, ‘This is your calling, isn’t it?’ It meant the world to me and has always stuck with me,” Cardenas recalls.
Cardenas is excited to give back as part of the CAS Alumni Advisory Board.
“I’m excited that we can share a unique perspective on what students are really going to need outside of the classroom.”