Education expert, Kristen Nieslawski, on keeping focused to win the prize
This is an in depth look at a student who has conquered many obstacles to obtain what is most valuable to her. Kristen Nieslawski, a 22 year student at Benedictine University opens up about her childhood and what led her to be a devout student. Shockingly, Nieslawski talks about how broken she was due to a disease that causes blindness. Glaucoma is something she has had to live with since she was five months old. Only one eye works.
Nieslawski also talks about family issues growing up and how she did not allow them to affect her studies. When asked about the role of an expert, Nieslawski’s responsed, “I see myself as someone who cares. I am taking the knowledge I have and motivating others to continue with their education. We will all win this way.” As you encounter Nieslawski’s story, please keep an open mind and let her story be inspiring to you as you journey down the road of education.
How did you enter this world? Broken…when I was five months old, the doctors discovered I had Glaucoma, which is a disease that causes blindness. Only one eye worked. I have had to wear corrective lenses since I was nine months old.
What is it like to have only one eye? Because I haven’t known anything different, this is normal to me. It is just like someone who is born with one arm or leg; it’s all they have ever known.
What other obstacles have you had? When I was a toddler, my parents got a divorce. Because my mother was sent overseas for the war in Desert Storm, I lived with my dad in Wisconsin. When she returned, I moved to Illinois. There were many conflicts with the step parents as both of my parents remarried and had other children.
How did you feel? I became bitter. I was the only child for nine years. Now, I had to share my life with a sister and two brothers. I decided early on that bitterness only hurts me. So, I chose to focus my attention on education.
When did you realize education was important? At an early age, I learned that education was important. Although I spent time with friends, I made my school work a priority. I wasn’t perfect, but I made a promise to myself to make wise choices so that I could get to college.
The dictionary defines expert as displaying skill or knowledge derived from training or experience. Do you think you fall in this category? I think if you ask a scholar, I am probably not an expert because I am so young. But, if you ask my fellow schoolmates, I am. I have acquired knowledge both from training and experience. The dictionary doesn’t give a timeframe to acquire these things.
Why do other students refer to you as the “Education Expert?” I suppose it is because that is all I talk about. I believe education is an opportunity in this country. If you spend more time with me, it won’t be too long before I am grilling you about your education and future plans. You see…I believe education plays a significant role in everything that we do. It gives us knowledge. It opens doors to success; it helps us to understand each other. Education moves us from what we are to what we want to be.
How do you see yourself in this role as an expert?
I see myself as someone who cares. I am taking the knowledge I have and motivating others to continue with their education. We will all win this way.
How do you motivate others? In my spare time, I tutor students in a range of subjects. I also spend time with students who feel like they can’t do it anymore. I am sometimes a counselor. I encourage them to keep going. I become their support.
Do students usually listen to what you have to say? Yes. They listen and they act on the action plan we set. Although I have not actually kept track, I would say 95% of the students I speak or tutor continue with their education.
What types of students seek out your expertise? I have spoken with many students from various backgrounds. There are those who seem to have it all together but are in the midst of a breakdown. Then there are others who are barely hanging on due to financial need or no family support.
How does that make you feel? I run through two main emotions: sadness and joy. It saddens me to see that those we call real experts don’t take the time to be supportive when students need it the most. It also gives me great joy to be that support, to see the hope return to their faces, and to know I have made a difference.
What should high school students do to prepare for college? The most important thing they need to do is change their view of education. It shouldn’t be a thorn in their side that is putting a damper on their social life. It should be a step towards success.
What is your philosophy behind education? I believe knowledge is power. Accumulated knowledge leads to wisdom, which is the ability to discern. Wisdom can be applied to attitudes, beliefs, and actions. I believe wisdom should be sought after more than riches. Riches fade away; wisdom will be with you forever.
Did you reach your goals? I graduated in 2007 and went to Peoria for my freshman year of college. Needless to say, I found my way back home where I attended Lincoln Land Community College and graduated with my Associate’s degree. I was super excited. It was absolutely satisfying to know that I had finished two years of my undergraduate program.
A bout of independence. I moved out after graduation and gained independence. Family members said I was an expert in education. Although I did not see myself as an expert, I knew I had motivated them. I felt like I added value to their lives. But, I am not finished. Experts must continue their education, and that’s what I plan on doing.
What happens next? I have had my trouble days, but I have also had days where I feel like life couldn’t get any better. I am now attending Benedictine University and working hard to get my Bachelor’s Degree.
What about your future? I have a dream to move to the East coast and pursue a career in New York. On my journey, I plan to continue being a support to all those who need it and seek after it. I will win the prize. Everyone will know that past circumstances do not have to dictate future success. Education has been my saving grace, expert or not.
Kristen has come a long way and will be graduating in May of 2012. Good Luck to her!
--Kristin Jordan
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