2026 IL Fund Minority Scholarship Program Winner Bio

Aridai Silva

Autobiographical Statement

I never imagined that I would return to school after so many years. For a long time, I believed that my educational journey had already taken its course, and that the degree I had earned years ago would be the foundation for the rest of my professional life. Yet life has a way of redirecting us, opening doors in unexpected places, and presenting opportunities that reveal new passions we never knew we had. My path toward becoming a school psychologist began in the most unplanned and ordinary way by translating.

When I started working as a building secretary, my role often included helping families who primarily spoke Spanish. I would sit in on meetings to interpret for parents during conversations with the school psychologist, the social worker, and other staff. At first, I saw this simply as part of my responsibilities. But over time, something changed in me. As I watched these professionals speak with families, address students’ needs, and collaborate with teachers, I began to feel a deep connection to the work. I wasn’t just translating words; I was witnessing lives being shaped, concerns being eased, and students receiving the support they needed to thrive.

What truly shifted my perspective was realizing how vital communication and cultural understanding are in the school environment. Many Hispanic parents came into meetings nervous, unsure, or intimidated by the process. I recognized their expressions and their silence because they reminded me of moments from my own family’s experiences growing up. I understood first hand how cultural barriers, language differences, and unfamiliarity with the school system could make parents feel disconnected from their child’s education. During those meetings, I felt a sense of purpose that I had never experienced in any other job. I realized that I could be a bridge.

Although I originally completed a degree in fashion marketing and once imagined myself working in the fast-paced runway world, my journey took a completely different direction. I lived in New Jersey for a big portion of my life, but when I moved to Illinois seven years ago, everything began to shift. My upbringing, my bilingual background, and my early responsibilities within my own family shaped me more for the helping profession than I initially understood. For years, I simply didn’t see it. But as I became more involved in school settings, building relationships with parents and staff, and observing the wok of school psychologists, the pieces of my life began to align in ways that felt meaningful.

Working as a building secretary exposed me to the realities of student needs, family struggles, and the importance of mental health support in education. I witnessed students dealing with academic challenges, emotional difficulties, and social pressures. I saw parents wanting the best for their children but not always knowing how to navigate the system. I was often the first person they spoke to when they entered the building, and naturally, I became a trusted source of support. The connections I made with the families made me realize that my bilingual skills, cultural understanding, and compassionate nature were not just helpful---they were needed.

It was through these experiences that my interest in the field of school psychology grew into something much deeper. I became passionate about the idea of advocating for students especially those from Hispanic and underserved communities----who often fall through the cracks because of language barriers, systemic challenges, or limited access to resources. I wanted to do more than translate; I wanted to empower families, educate parents, and help students discover their strengths. I wanted to be the person who not only understood their struggles but could actively support them using professional knowledge and culturally responsive practices.

Deciding to return to school was not easy. I was a mother, a professional, and adult who had been out of school for years. But motivation comes quickly when you feel a calling. I enrolled in the School Psychology program, determined to grow, to learn, and to embrace every challenge. Through my coursework and practicum experiences, I have deepened my understanding of assessments, interventions, mental health needs, educational equity, and the many layers involved in supporting a child’s development. Every new concept I learn reinforces the passion that first led me back to school.

As I continue my training, I am more convinced than ever that this is my path. My personal journey, cultural identity, professional experiences, and desire to serve others come together naturally in the role of a school psychologist. I bring not only academic preparation, but lived experiences----experience that allows me to relate to families, understand their concerns, and advocate for them in ways that honor their culture and their voice.

My goal is to us my skills o uplift students and families, especially within the Hispanic community. I want to promote equity, break down barriers, and ensure that every child’s needs are understood and address. I believe that my background, my passion, and my commitment will allow me to make a difference----not only within schools but also within the broader community.

Returning to school has been a journey of rediscovery, growth, and purpose. I did not expect to be here, but I am grateful that life led me in this direction. Today, I am driven by the belief that every student deserves someone in their corner, someone who sees their potential, and someone who understands their story. I am ready and determined to be that person.