Alumni Spotlight
Oliver A.
Class of 2021
Loyola University Chicago, Criminal Justice & Psychology
Year started at TSAS: 2011, 3rd grade
My experience at St. Anthony was something I can never forget. It was the first place where I was allowed to learn freely without being treated differently from other students. I doubt I would be anywhere close to where I am now as a person without my time at St. Anthony’s. I’m truly able to engage with people and the world in ways that would’ve been impossible otherwise.
Academics:
The biggest thing that helped me in academic growth was the fact that I was able to learn at my own pace. If I was excelling in a subject I was given the ability to work ahead and grow in the classes I was so passionate about. If I was having trouble with other subjects the teachers were always ready to be there to help me and understand anything that may have been confusing.
The duel credit program honestly gave me some invaluable skills that have helped me succeed in my college career. It taught me to be unafraid to engage with professors and be able to really excel on my own when there weren’t any teachers or parents to push me to study or work.
Therapeutic and Social:
The services at St Anthony really helped understand how to regulate my own emotions. At St. Anthony’s I was finally in an environment where I could learn how to communicate with people in a positive way and that is something I will always treasure. I was given for the first time an open and honest opportunity to make friends. I wasn’t the weird kid I was just a kid at that was something so special to me. At St. Anthony’s I was able to make lifelong friends.
Life Skills and Independence:
The school really helped become independent both in academics and life in general. Thanks to all the teachers of St. Anthony I am in my third year at Loyola Chicago and even more so, I have made the Dean’s list all of my semesters so far and am perusing an accelerated master’s program.