Faces of NLU: Meet DaZay Green
An elementary education student discusses his goals for his future in education and describes how the Chicago community is an exceptional place to reach your potential.
As the third-largest urban center with the third-largest public school system in America, Chicago inspires many students to pursue a career as an educator. DaZay Green, a rising junior studying Elementary Education at National Louis University, chose this path to make a positive impact in the city he calls home.
For DaZay, being a student in Chicago means having access to robust support networks and caring communities that empower you to succeed, as they did for him. “Being a Chicago student means having that support system,” he reflected. “Chicago is a place for students who want to strive to improve and make a difference in the community. Trust me, thousands of people here are cheering you on, from your family to your neighborhood and your Chicago schools. It's fantastic to have that support system of people giving you opinions and different resources and information to use when feeling lost, or even when you have it all together.”
It all adds up to a strong sense of security for students.” Being a Chicago student means you will have support, love, and cheering in your corner. You will never feel like you're alone or by yourself because there's always someone there to help you when needed,” Green added.
For students looking to make a difference, Chicago offers an abundance of opportunity. After graduation, Green plans to give back by becoming an educator. “After graduating from National-Louis University, I plan to enter the education field to help those students who need the extra support, and who may feel lost or don't know where to start their future careers. I plan to change the education system one child at a time,” he said.
Green acknowledges that this career path will come with its own challenges, and that teaching is difficult work, but welcomes the challenges as an opportunity to leave a positive impact that will affect future generations. “It will take some work and be very challenging, but as a black man in Chicago who grew up in the education system, sometimes you have to take a stand to help our future children. What would you do if the city that you grew up in all your life and the education system never changed? Would you take the easy way out and leave, or will you stay and try to make a difference and an impact? I chose to stay because I knew I would be in the best hands. I hope to one day start the process of opening up my own school for low-income families in need.”
He credits the particularly strong educational curriculum at National Louis with preparing him for this role. “National Louis University was founded on education, and I knew from their presentation that this school was where I needed to be. National Louis has an outstanding education program and a team to support you as soon as you walk in those doors. I have learned from professors who have been in my shoes before. There are so many different resources to help me. When you start your student teaching, you get to see what it’s like to be an actual teacher in a classroom. Al of this helps and prepares me for my future foal to do something great and make a difference in the community.” In particular, Green believes having more male teachers like him in the school system is crucial. “Education tends to lack male teachers. Hopefully, when I become a teacher, I hope to inspire other children, especially males, to become a teacher.”
Apart from his education, Green has taken advantage of NLU’s robust extracurricular and programming opportunities. “Since starting out at National Louis University, I started as a Student Ambassador working on campus. From there, I have been able to be Alpha Lambda Delta’s Honor Society President, and an Orientation Leader for two years and hopefully two more to come. I have started the very first NLU Drama Club on campus. I also recently switched over into Student Affairs as an Orientation Leader/Mentor and Assistant with the Assistant Director of New Student and Family Programs.”
Green encourages current and future students to “keep achieving, keep thriving. You have made it this far with all of your talents and skills, but the work is not done. We are the future, and what we do at this very moment and in a couple of months matters. You matter as we become future teachers, counselors, chefs, and more. We are doing something that is making a difference in this world. Our future looks bright, so continue to use the resources at National Louis University. It is OK to ask for help. It doesn’t mean that you are incapable if you ask for help, it just means you are learning and it is OK to learn because when you learn, you grow.”
Ultimately, Green believes attending school in Chicago allows you to become the best version of yourself. “I want people to know that Chicago schools are unique. They can help students with support resources and the different information needed for each student. Chicago schools believe in helping students thrive to be their best and lean on people when needed. It's where you can find who you are and be your best self.”
Check out all our undergraduate programs at National Louis University. To learn more about our comprehensive career services for students, visit our Career Bridge Office. You can also contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to discuss your educational and professional goals.
