From the moment Iris Galicia stepped into Farragut Career Academy IB World School, she had more than just academic goals in mind, she had a promise to keep and a dream to fulfill.
As early as second grade, Iris had already set her sights on one destination: the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). For many, this might seem like an ambitious plan for someone so young, but Iris had a reason that gave her purpose beyond her years. Her mother, a single teen parent, had once dreamed of a career in the medical field. She began college while raising Iris but ultimately had to put her aspirations aside to embrace motherhood fully. Witnessing her mother’s sacrifices planted a seed in Iris with a commitment to not only pursue higher education, but to chase the dreams her mother had set aside.
“Everything I do is to make her proud,” Iris says. “She raised me to be kind, ambitious, and fearless. Living out our shared dreams is how I honor everything she gave up for me.”
Her journey to UIUC, however, wasn’t only shaped by her mother’s story. In middle school, Iris learned something that would further fuel her determination: her grandfather had once been accepted to UIUC on a full-ride scholarship. But while traveling with her grandmother to visit the campus, they were involved in a traumatic accident. The experience left them both too afraid to continue traveling by highway, and sadly, her grandfather gave up the opportunity.
“When I heard that, I felt like it was a sign,” Iris says. “His chance was taken from him, just like my mom’s. I wanted to go for all of us. Just like others dream of Harvard or Yale, my Ivy League has always been UIUC.”
With her heart set, Iris began researching early. She looked up programs, scholarships, and how to stand out as an applicant. That led her to Farragut Career Academy IB World School, where she could join the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme and take dual enrollment classes, two proven paths to academic distinction. She began IB Honors courses in her freshman and sophomore years, all while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even a global shutdown couldn’t dim her focus. In ninth grade, she earned scholarships and was accepted into SMASH Academy, an intensive, STEM-focused program for underrepresented students. As a sophomore, she joined more initiatives like After School Matters (ASM) and Serving People with a Mission, all of which helped her grow into an independent, outspoken young leader.
Then came a turning point. Farragut was selected as a Hope Chicago school, offering a full college scholarship to eligible students—and UIUC was on the list. For Iris, this wasn’t just an opportunity. It was fate. In her junior and senior years, Iris fully embraced the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme (DP)—a globally recognized curriculum that pushes students to become critical thinkers, eloquent communicators, and academic leaders. She wrote extended essays, completed internal assessments, and delivered presentations that sharpened her voice and vision. Most students entered the DP program because Iris was joining—her quiet leadership inspired trust and motivation. But by the end of senior year, only a small core group remained. Where others saw pressure, Iris saw purpose.
“DP was rigorous, but it was manageable. People dropped out, but I stayed. I knew what I was working for.”
Alongside IB, Iris took dual enrollment courses focused on business to prepare for her dream program: the Gies College of Business at UIUC. Knowing it was one of the most competitive colleges within the university, she wanted her application to stand out. And it did.
By the time she finished high school, Iris had:
- Earned around 30 transferable college credits
- Passed a couple of the rigorous IB exams
- Received the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
- Graduated with high honors, ranked third in her class
But her story is more than about achievements. Iris’s journey was about transformation. She started as a shy girl burdened by past insecurities and grew into a confident young woman who understood her voice, her value, and her purpose.
Then came the moment she had been waiting for:
January 26, 2024
Surrounded by her family, Iris opened her early admission decision to UIUC. The tears came instantly: she had not only been accepted, but she had also been admitted to the Gies College of Business.
“That moment was everything. My mom was crying, my siblings were cheering, and my stepdad was on the phone celebrating with us. I felt proud, grateful, and unstoppable.”
Now, Iris is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, double majoring in Business Administration – Management and Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, with a minor in Advertising. She walks on the campus not just as a student, but as a torchbearer of three generations’ worth of dreams.
Iris’s story isn’t just one academic achievement; it’s a story of legacy, love, and relentless determination.
“This dream was mine, my mom’s, and my grandfather’s. Now it’s my reality. And I’m just getting started.”
Iris is especially grateful for the Hope Chicago Scholarship, which made it possible for her to attend her dream school debt-free. She credits Hope Chicago not only for relieving the financial burden of college, but for being deeply involved in her academic journey. “Hope Chicago is more than just a scholarship,” Iris says. “They’re constantly checking in, offering guidance, and helping us grow, not just as students, but as professionals and future leaders.” Through internships, programs, academic support, and mentorship, Hope Chicago ensures that students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Their team stays on top of students’ progress and consistently pushes them to improve, stay focused, and dream big. “They are investing in us because they believe in us. They’re not just funding our education; they’re shaping the next generation of changemakers, and I’m so proud to be one of them. I’m forever thankful for everything they’ve done for me and for so many others. Hope Chicago is truly changing lives and bettering the future one student at a time.
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