Purdue Calumet Student has Overcome Struggles along Road to Graduation

Varela-Nicole-II-grad-sp15Tenacious sums up 23-year-old Purdue University Calumet student Nicole Varela, who, despite having faced her share of struggles, looks forward to graduating from Purdue University Calumet Friday (5/8).

“My early childhood was pretty rocky,” the Merrillville resident said, “and for several reasons I’ve ended up living with my grandparents. My grandfather came to the United States from Mexico when he was just 15. He got a job in the (steel) mills and was the family’s provider.”

Because her grandfather had to curtail his education at a young age to support his family, he is unable to read or write English. Nicole said at times she feels like “I’m living in two different worlds.”

Entry into Honors College despite dyslexia
In addition to overcoming financial roadblocks, Varela is dyslexic and depends on audio textbooks on and off campus.

“I read by memorizing letter patterns,” she said, “but I can’t process phonetics.” In spite of this, she gained entry into the university’s Honors College and is graduating with honors.

The Human Development and Family Studies major has immersed herself in academics and extracurricular activities at Purdue Calumet.

Busy on and off campus
“I like to be around people who want to work hard,” she said. To that end, she is secretary of the Student Government Association’s Multi-Cultural Affairs initiative, a mentor for students improving their mastery of English as a second language and active in the music ministry of Our Lady of Consolation church in Merrillville.

She also has participated in Purdue Calumet vocal and theater organizations. What’s more, she added, “my grandmother has developed Alzheimer’s disease, so my ‘night job’ is caring for her.”

But by day, she has taken advantage of numerous learning opportunities, including as a Purdue Calumet McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program scholar. Federally funded, the program encourages undergraduate, first generation students and those from disadvantaged financial backgrounds, or students who represent populations underrepresented in areas of graduate education to pursue graduate study.

Graduate school next
Varela plans to do just that this fall when she attends Erikson Institute in Chicago, one of the nation’s premier graduate schools in the study of child development.

Purdue Calumet McNair Program Coordinator Yolanda Beamon, who has gotten to know Varela well, said, “Nicole has been able to use her challenges and adversity to propel academically. She embodies the definition of social work through her research of human development in children. Her inspiration to improve the quality of her life and others epitomizes her pursuit of social justice and the well-being of children.”

John Rowan dean of the Honors College, is another of Nicole’s mentors. “He has been wonderful,” she said. “I went to Nicaragua to do research to see how the political system of a country affects gender norms in children, and Dean Rowan supported me all the way.”

Her research paper on the topic was presented at the recent Clement S. Stacy Memorial Undergraduate Research Conference.

Dedication and persistence
“Nicole exemplifies the virtues of dedication and persistence,” Rowan said. “Her hard work has paid off with significant improvements in vital skills pertaining to leadership, communication, critical thinking and other areas that will benefit her down the road. Her consistently positive attitude played a direct role in her success at Purdue Calumet and also impacted her fellow students.”

Eventually, Varela hopes to gain a job in a hospital setting. “I love working with people and especially kids who need a fair shot,” she said.