Age 19, Class of 2020
Legacy Youth Participant
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Jessica was raised in the Humboldt Park community of Chicago and attended North Grand High
School, earning her high school diploma. She was involved in the Legacy Youth afterschool
program during her freshmen year as a program participant.
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Currently Attending: Malcolm X College
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Major(s): Nursing
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Favorite Legacy Youth Lesson: Networking and Toxic Thinking. In the networking lesson, I learned
how to communicate better with people and be a better listener. In the toxic thinking lesson, I
learned that the more negative your thoughts are, the faster and easier you will make the thoughts
come true. Positive thoughts bring more positive outcomes.
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Proudest Accomplishment to Date: Graduating from high school and attending college right after
has always been my plan. I was able to accomplish it wth the help of my family, friends, and the
experiences I shared with Legacy Leaders. I was filled with encouragement.
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Future Goals: I would like to become a trauma nurse and work in the ER. I would also like to travel
the world and explore new foods before and while forming a family.
Jessica Valladares
“Legacy Leaders helped me burst
out of my shell and find a light
in the darkest of times.”