For some of us, it takes a while to find our purpose. And then there are those of us like Khalilah Young, M.Ed.
Teaching and being of service to our youth has been Khalilah’s thing as long as she can remember. Having received her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from Illinois State University, Khalilah has dedicated her life to guiding and educating future generations because it is her passion and calling.
Currently the Interim Director of UIC‘s CHANCE (Counseling, Help And Assistance Necessary for a 21st century College Education) program, Khalilah and her team work to offer access to a living and learning environment aimed to prepare students for real-life settings beyond college.
N’DIGO recently caught up with Young to discuss the CHANCE program that she helms and her thoughts on the importance of mentorship for our youth.
In your own words, who is Khalilah Young?
Khalilah Young: Khalilah is a family oriented person with a kind heart and integrity who wants to live a life of service to others.
As a child, what did you dream of doing for a living as an adult?
I dreamed of being a teacher. I remember tutoring younger students and how exciting it was assisting teachers with grading homework or taking attendance. At the core of who I am, I truly enjoy helping people.
Please tell us all about UIC’s CHANCE Program.
The mission of the UIC CHANCE Program is to recruit and retain academically qualified underrepresented candidates in need of enrichment and learning skills, from Chicago and Suburban communities, for admission to UIC, and to facilitate access to the necessary academic activities and professional services that will enable them to persist and graduate, as well-prepared professional for the 21st century.
What are some of your day-to-day duties as Interim Director of the CHANCE Program?
I am responsible for the coordination of community outreach efforts, partnerships, career development initiatives, external affairs, community affairs, legislative affairs and any budgetary aspects surrounding this specific area of concentration. Strategic planning, goal setting, and executing initiatives supporting the CHANCE mission. While actively engaging UIC student success units and external partners to leverage resources that will afford postgraduate opportunities for UIC students.
Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of our lives, we forget how much of a difference we can make in the lives of the younger generation with just a little special attention. Can you speak to the importance of mentoring our youth?
Young adults need to see what they can become or what not to become. Mentorship provides self- awareness, confidence, and guidance. Its importance cannot be overstated.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your work with the kids in the CHANCE program?
Three of my personal principles include: adaptability, possessing a positive attitude, and motivation to grow and learn.
How do you find the time to maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life?
I simply create and hold fast to strong boundaries for professional and personal, allowing myself time for self-care.
As we close 2023’s Black History Month, do you have a favorite little known Black History fact that you like to wow people with?
An African American helped make a gaming system like XBox possible. Jerry Lawson was a Black man and an engineer during the 1970’s, a time when there were very few people who looked like him in that field. Despite not graduating from college, his creativity and technology skills helped him invent the interchangeable video game cartridge.
The last great book you read?
I am currently reading The Radical Candor by Kim Scott.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I want to someday move to North Carolina.
Best advice you have for the youth?
Trust your gut and YES, you belong in the room!
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“If you are fortunate to have an opportunity it is your duty to make sure other people have those opportunities as well” – Vice President Kamala Harris
What’s next for Khalilah Young?
One of my dreams is to create a space for women to come together to support and celebrate each other in memory of my late friend.
For more information on Khalilah Young and UIC’s CHANCE program, please visit www.chance.uic.edu/about
