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Persistence, Purpose, and Psychology: Jorge Flores’ Journey
By Monica Selagea and Jorge Flores, Class of 2016
May 11, 2026
Jorge Flores grew up in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood in Chicago. A proud Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, Jorge’s journey wasn’t defined by a straight path, but through his reflection, resilience and purpose. Today, he is a therapist working with children with disabilities, using his lived experiences and education to create change for others.
His Early Years
Growing up, Jorge spent much of his childhood helping care for his younger brother, who has special needs. “Ever since I can remember, I always helped my family with his school, doctor appointments, and other needs.” That early responsibility instilled a quiet strength and sense of empathy that would stay with him through the years.
As a high school student, Jorge described himself as introverted, unmotivated, and often uninterested in how classes were taught. “I was always curious and creative, so art and science were my strongest subjects. But I never thought much about my future. I didn’t feel like I fit in, and I was always finding excuses to skip class and go home.”
I remember Jorge as a student. He was a sophomore in my English II class. He was very quiet and always doodled as I lectured or while he was completing an assignment. I was in awe of his artwork, so I appreciated his love for it. But I knew he needed motivation, so I asked him to join the OneGoal program. And it wasn’t until he joined OneGoal that he began to shift his thinking about school, his future, and his place in the world while still doodling.
College Wasn’t an Option
Jorge dreamed of becoming a doctor or a businessman. However, the idea of college seemed abstract. “I didn’t know about the costs, the locations, or the many classes they offered.” His main objective was to just graduate high school. As he says, “My mindset was, ‘Take it one day at a time.’” Jorge was still trying to figure out life while his classmates talked about college. This would overwhelm Jorge. “When you get more in depth about how much college can cost per year, you start to realize that it becomes impossible.” But OneGoal changed that narrative by offering practical tools, guidance and mentorship.
OneGoal’s Impact
in High School
For Jorge, OneGoal changed him. It provided the structure and support he needed, especially as a first-generation college student. “I recall my mentor, Ms. Selagea, talking about applying to a variety of colleges, so I had a broad selection and options.” College visits helped him understand what different campuses offered, and financial aid lessons prepared him for real-world decisions. “OneGoal helped in many ways, where it opened the opportunities and helped me take things one step at a time.” Learning about the cost of college was extremely important for Jorge. This gave him the confidence to pick a school and make decisions about what would be the best financial fit for him and his family. “I think many students overlook that part and eventually struggle further in their college journey because they took out loans or found themselves in debt, which results in dropping out.”
The Challenges of College
Jorge accepted an offer to National Louis University in Chicago. While college opened up new possibilities, it also came with real challenges. Time management was one of his biggest problems. “There’s a level of independence when you start to realize how much studying and assignments are given to you.” The social environment was also hurtful, as he recalls a discouraging moment with a classmate. “I remember in college, a female classmate ran a bet saying, ‘the first person to drop will be Jorge’ and that was very discouraging. A few months later, she dropped out and was never seen again.” Luckily, Jorge found a community with two friends who stayed after class to study and give each other tips on how to succeed. “To this day, they are still my friends, and we have traveled around the country.”
“Life is not perfect, and accepting failures, mistakes, and flaws can only teach you more about yourself on things you can do or can’t.”
At the beginning of college, he majored in business because he was good at math and was able to manage spreadsheets and other criteria. But eventually, he became unmotivated and lost in finding a new major. One day, Jorge took a psychology class, and that is when everything began to align. “I was intrigued, and I wanted to learn more and the possible paths that career had to offer. And, I always wanted to help people and was curious about the way people behave.” He soon switched his degree from business to psychology, and in 2021, Jorge graduated with his Bachelor’s in Psychology.
“I think it’s okay to still feel lost in your freshman year of college because you are still testing the waters.”
OneGoal’s Impact in College
Having a mentor has made a lasting impact on Jorge’s college experience. “Whenever I felt stuck during college, I had to reach out to my mentor. As a first-year college student, my family had no clue and couldn’t provide the answers I needed.” Maintaining that relationship with his teacher and mentor during college and even beyond his first year, when the OneGoal program ended, helped Jorge stay grounded and graduate from college debt-free! Jorge and his mentor continue to keep in touch.
In 2017, CBS interviewed Jorge about OneGoal and how the program helped navigate his college path. Click here to read the full article.
Life After Graduation
Today, Jorge is a therapist providing help for children with autism navigating ABA therapy to support communication, social skills, and independence in early childhood. “I enjoy my job every day, and I am always learning new things weekly with a great team inside a clinic.” In the near future, Jorge plans to return to school for his master’s. His job is partnered with the university, which will allow him to balance work and school. “I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon, and I hope to become an art therapist.”
“Acknowledging character strengths gives us the drive and motivation to push past our limits. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Without the rain, flowers don’t grow, without challenges, neither do you.’”
Advice to the
New Generation
Ask for Help: To any student reading this, my biggest advice is don’t be afraid to get help, ask questions, and take that leap to every opportunity you can. I remember Ms. Selagea always helped students, whether or not they were part of the OneGoal program, because she wanted everyone to succeed. I struggled to ask for help, but eventually when I built up the courage to ask questions without fear, I felt less burdened in life.
Look for Financial Aid: Applying to grants is very crucial, and there’s a variety of easy and hard ones, but it never hurts to try!
Have Confidence: Now, I’m extroverted and love creating conversations and allowing others to advocate good choices whenever I can provide the opportunity. Thanks to OneGoal, I had the change I needed and that extra push of preparedness.
Monica Selagea grew up in Chicago and attended Columbia College in Chicago and DePaul University. She is currently a high school teacher in Chicago and a Program Director for OneGoal. She also teaches at the City Colleges of Chicago.
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