Student Bios
In August 2022, Lourdes University welcomed the inaugural Like Me Program cohort.
A’maya Hodges
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
“Hi my name is A’Maya. I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. Most of my years were spent in a small township called Springfield which is where I graduated. In high school, I participated in numerous sports such as basketball, track, and cross country. Being in sports and around positive influences and coaches in my life, I was inspired to take up teaching. The main reason I want to become a teacher is because I love learning and seeking opportunities to influence younger people’s lives.”
Chase Edwards
Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Previously attended: Central Michigan University, Mott Community College, University of Michigan-Flint
“I previously wanted to be a Paleontologist, but that career path didn’t suit me. One day, I got a job with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, and it was the most fun I’d ever had at any job. Ever since then, I’ve been working with kids in some form. It runs in the family as I will be the 3rd generation of my family to go into the teaching field. I’m eager to have a classroom of my own so that I can utilize all I’ve learned over the past 8 years to give students the highest quality of education.”
Daniela Rodriguez
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
“My name is Daniela and I’m from Toledo, Ohio. I went to Calvin M. Woodward High School and that is where I found my reason to become an educator. The reason I want to became an educator is because of a teacher named Mrs. Ann Koch. She knew how to build relationships with her students and pushed them beyond their limits. She was always there for support and was a shoulder to cry on. As an educator, I would love to be able to have connections with my students like the one I’ve had with Mrs. Koch.”
Elibeth Quintero
Home Country: Nicaragua
“My name is Elibeth and I’m from Nicaragua, a small country located in Central America. I’m not in any sport, but I love to play and watch soccer. In my spare time, I work at the cafeteria. I want to become a teacher because I want to make a good impact in students’ lives. I want to make sure they feel prepared to go out to the real world. My goal is to make good leaders.”
Kendall Layson
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
“Hello, my name is Kendall and I am currently a freshman at Lourdes University majoring in Adult & Young Adult Education with a focus in high school social studies. I am truly excited to be on this journey and a tad nervous, but ready for the experience. While attending college full-time, I am also a full-time pastor just entering my 6th year in the Pastorate. Juggling the two has been a test of strict time management but definitely doable. In my free time, I like to cook and I love bowling and attempting to go to the gym on a regular basis.”
Mia Lopez
Hometown: San Diego, California
“My name is Mia, and I am a second year Primary Education major with a minor in Psychology. I graduated in 2021 from Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, California. At Lourdes, I play on the women’s volleyball team while being the student ambassador for the Honors Program. I chose education due to my passion towards working and connecting with underprivileged youth and making a difference in their unpredictable lives. I have been working with elementary students since I was 16, and quickly became inspired and drawn to their curiosity about the world. Upon graduating in 2025, I hope to work as a kindergarten/first grade teacher in at-risk districts of Toledo. As an educator I hope to be a consistent source of light and empathy for my students in hopes to help them create the building blocks needed to become kind, driven, and curious people.”
Ryleigh Antoine
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
“Hi! My name is Ryleigh and I am from Toledo, Ohio. I graduated from Whitmer High School but transferred from Start High School my sophomore year. I am in Lourdes Chorale but I play softball in my spare time. I want to become an educator because I love being around children and watching them grow into unique human beings. I specifically want to be a third grade teacher because I feel like during this time, students’ personalities start to grow and they become more unique to oneself. I also like students in third grade because I feel like it is one of the most memorable years of their lives.”