Faces of NLU: Meet Jomane Thompson

An Educational Leadership student shares his journey of immigrating to the United States and following in the footsteps of his mother.

One of the things we love most at National Louis University is hearing our students’ stories and learning about the variety of paths that took them to NLU. Jomane Thompson’s journey to earning his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at the National College of Education is a unique one. Growing up in Guyana, South America, the importance of education was impressed upon Jomane from a young age:

“I grew up in a single-parent household where my mom taught me the value of education. She, being an educator herself for 30 years, has been my rock and biggest supporter.”

Jomane Thompson immigrated to the United States ten years ago in search of opportunity:

“When I moved to the United States, my goal was to have better educational opportunities and experience the American dream.” 

Jomane’s journey toward earning his bachelor’s degree wasn’t always easy, though:

“I had numerous setbacks along the way and did not start my undergraduate degree until three years [after I moved here]. I also had to deal with being away from my mom and most familiar faces when I migrated. Having to work and attend school full time at the same time was also a struggle. There were many sleepless nights, but I persevered and was able to earn my Bachelor's degree. This later led me to the most rewarding career of being a teacher.”

When Jomane wanted to further his teaching career with a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, he chose NLU based on the advice of his colleagues:

“I have numerous work colleagues who completed their Educational Leadership graduate degree at NLU. They shared with me their positive experiences with the program. Even my principal recommended NLU. After speaking with the NLU Admissions specialist, I knew this was where I wanted to continue my academic career. The experiences of the NLU alumni played a big part in me choosing National Louis University.”

Jomane says that his experience at NLU has lived up to his expectations:

“Since starting my studies at NLU, the curriculum and professors have expanded my knowledge of several areas that will get me closer to realizing my goal. Since starting the leadership program, I have not only been looking through the teacher and student perspective but through a leadership lens. I am learning how to balance student needs, staff needs, district needs, and other stakeholders' needs. My course is also very practical and hands-on. The internship requirement also adds to on-the-job experience.”

After NLU, Jomane sees himself taking the next step into administration or possibly working in higher education:

“In five years, I see myself advancing in my professional career as an assistant principal or principal. I also want to continue my instructional practice at a college level. I also see myself advancing my academic career by enrolling in the Educational Leadership Ph.D. program at NLU.”

When asked what advice he’d like to share with his fellow NLU students, Jomane says, “Possibilities are endless. The hardest part of the journey is to start. Diamonds are built under pressure. Self-care is equally important. Have a healthy work and life balance.”

Want to learn more about graduate programs at the National College of Education? You can also connect with an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to talk more about your educational and career goals.