Five Monroe Elementary Eighth-Graders Reflect on Elementary School

Ashley, Brian, Carolina, Jocelyn, and Rebekah are five exceptional soon-to-be graduates from Monroe Elementary School in Logan Square. Most of them have been students at Monroe for years now, and, since they’ve come to know its classrooms and hallways so well, graduation is a bittersweet time. On one hand, there’s excitement about what is to come as they prepare to head off to high schools across Chicago. On the other hand, they know it will be difficult to leave the educators who have impacted them and the school where they’ve made so many memories. Get to know each of them below. 

Meet Jocelyn, Attending Lake View High School Next Year 

How would you describe your Monroe experience?

At Monroe, we’ve had many memories together. When I look back, each year has been different and special in its own way. They’ve all had their unique parts to them, making my Monroe experience incomparable, an experience that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else. 

What has been your favorite memory at Monroe?

A memorable experience would definitely be field trips with my friends. I’ll always remember the laughter on the bus the whole way there and back. My favorite field trip is probably a camping trip that we had in sixth grade. 

Where do you see yourself in the years to come?

I see myself having a medical career because I’ve always been passionate about the medical field. Specifically, I want to be a surgeon to help people out because that’s been an interest of mine for a long time. 

Meet Carolina, Attending North-Grand High School Next Year

What’s something you’ve enjoyed doing outside of school while at Monroe?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always gone with my dad to Humboldt Park. Since I’m Ecuadorian, there are always Ecuadorians there playing volleyball and selling Ecuadorian food. That’s why I feel like volleyball has always been a part of me. 

What are some of your goals for high school?

I want to join clubs. I was thinking of maybe joining volleyball or a debate team since I’m still deciding between becoming a lawyer or a doctor. I also want to socialize more and make new friends.

What have you learned from being a Monroe student?

My time at Monroe has taught me that even when you experience ups and downs, you can still overcome those challenges and learn from them. I’ve also learned that the community is what makes your school experience great, and your experience will be what you make of it.

Meet Brian, Attending Von Steuben High School Next Year

How has your eighth-grade year been so far?

This is my first year at Monroe. When I first came here, it was hard because I didn’t know anyone and had to get used to my new schedule. But I got the hang of it, and now I really like the people here a lot. 

What are your interests both inside and outside of the classroom?

The subjects that I enjoy the most are social studies and math. Outside of school, I like to use the CTA to explore different areas of Chicago. I really like Chinatown. It’s really decorative and there’s really good food there. 

How would you describe the community at Monroe?

Monroe is kind of like a family because we do everything together. We learn a lot together throughout the year and do activities together, and I’ve really gotten to know everyone even though I was a new student here. 

Meet Ashley, Attending Lake View High School Next Year

What do you enjoy learning the most at school?

I really like writing and reading. Right now, I’m reading a book called Faceless, which is about a girl who gets a face transplant after she is struck by lightning. It’s kind of hard for her to fit in since she has a new face, and I definitely related to that. 

What do you hope to accomplish in high school?

My main goal is just to succeed because I want to keep my grades up and make my family proud. I also want to join some clubs and try things that I wasn’t involved in here at Monroe. 

Who will you remember when you think back on your time at Monroe?

My time at Monroe has been really special because the connections that I formed with my teachers and my friends will always be a part of me. I will especially remember Ms. Corea because she’s very understanding and always there when I need help. 

Meet Rebekah, Attending Von Steuben High School Next Year

Who is someone who has made a positive impact on you at Monroe?

I’ll always remember Mrs. Goeltzer, my sixth-grade homeroom teacher and one of my favorite teachers overall, because she introduced me to my love of reading. Language arts has always been my favorite subject. 

How are you feeling about graduating from elementary school?

We’re going to be moving on, but this will always be where we started out learning when we were very small and built up who we will be in the future. Not everything was perfect, but everything was a learning experience. 

If you could describe your time at Monroe in one word, what would you choose?

I’d say unique. There are so many different people and cultures represented here, but there aren’t cliques like you would expect in middle school. Everyone is friends with each other because most of us have been here for so long and we feel really comfortable around each other.