Future Institute
The real test of a high school education is how it plays out afterward. CAN graduates are successful, hardworking, and are making contributions in diverse fields. Here are just a few of the many paths taken by Concept Alumni.

Alumni Spotlight
(Week of Apr 25, 2016)

Daniel Lopez

Daniel Lopez is an alumnus of Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA), Class of 2010. Currently, Daniel is attending Northeastern Illinois University majoring in Communications, Media, and Theatre.

Briefly, describe your career path.
I'm currently going to be a senior soon with around 10 classes left at Northeastern Illinois University. I’m majoring in Communications, Media, and Theatre. My focus right now is to try to get internships at local media outlets with the things my school taught me. If not, at theatre companies in Chicagoland.
 
What are you passionate about in your work/school?
I get to meet people from all walks of life. Meeting people from Poland, France, Germany, etc., to people who met or personally played opening acts for rock bands like Slash, Alien Ant Farm, Local H, etc. I like how I was able to take classes in music theory, history, linguistics, topics in media and theatre, which opened my mind to liking opera, being involved in politics, and talking about social topics that can usually cause controversy with people.
 
Where is your career headed?
For now, I’m trying to finish school to get my bachelor’s, but time to time I’m thinking to go for a master’s degree in the same area I’m studying.
 
How are you a game changer?
To myself, I was able to open up more in things that interest me like U.S. politics, cultural differences, responsibilities in daily life, and learning new things like the Italian language and to pick up and play electric and bass guitar.
 
How has your CMSA experience helped shape your success?
CMSA having their school schedule in par with those of colleges. Things like moving from one class to another, learning different curriculums, and sometimes having a heavy load of school work, helped me in the long run because I felt comfortable when transitioning from high school to college. Also with Concept Schools keeping in touch with me and helping me out in times things aren’t going right for me. So a special shout out to Mr. Senol for helping me get this far in school.
 
What is the most amazing or interesting thing that's happened to you since graduating?
After 6 years since graduating, I was able to keep in touch with some of my closest friends I made in high school. Nowadays, we hang out at bars and go eat at buffets. So another shout out to Moises S, Alejandro G, and Ron M.
 
Your favorite CMSA memory?
Being able to hangout and have fun with my fellow peers one last time on our senior trip to Wisconsin Dells. I still remember on the bus ride home, almost everyone who singing theme songs of “SpongeBob” to “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and annoying the heck out of the teachers who went with us.
 
How do you support and participate in the Concept Alumni?
I try to visit CMSA once in a while and sometimes be at Concept Alumni events.
 
Concept Alumni Network (CAN) invites suggestions for Alumni Spotlights!
Do you know a Concept Alum(s) who has:
  • An interesting job?
  • An extraordinary story to tell?
  • Made a difference in his/her community?
  • Been a role model for others?
Contact us at alumni@conceptschools.org for more information

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