Chicago Student Wins $10,000 in National Education Essay Contest

Amanda Gonzalez, a 20-year-old Chicago resident, was selected by more than 2,000 online voters as the grand-prize winner of $10,000 to be used toward her college education in DeVry University’s MiGente con Mente national education essay contest. Gonzalez was among hundreds of young Latinos who entered the essay contest on MiGente.com, one of the fastest growing social networking sites on the Internet, by answering in 750 words or less the question: "What is the Value of a Higher Education and How is it Important to the Latino Community?” Judges selected 10 finalists whose essays were posted on MiGente.com for public voting to select a winner. Gonzalez’s essay received the highest average score based on total votes cast. "I have never been so excited,” said Gonzalez. "I remember spending days writing and writing, trying to get all of my thoughts on paper. I wanted to share my personal experience being Latina.” DeVry University sponsored the contest to spark dialogue among Latino youth about the value of higher education to themselves and their community. Approximately 13 percent of DeVry University students nationwide are Latino. "Amanda’s essay is moving and inspirational,” said David J. Pauldine, president of DeVry University. "She expresses herself with confidence and conviction and believes strongly in the vital relationship between educational achievement and the further growth and development of the Latino community.” In her essay, Gonzalez writes, "It is important for us to show the majority that we are intelligent, that we are capable of succeeding.” She says education is "the key to success” and sees her own education as an opportunity to give back to the community: "I take full advantage of what has been given to me so that I may give back to others.” Gonzalez also acknowledges the strength and sacrifices of family and how it has enabled her to concentrate on her own education. She writes, "That is why our ancestors fought the hardships everyday of their lives so that we may see a brighter future tomorrow…We Latinos need to pay back our families, not with money, but with love, respect and knowledge to embrace and take charge of our future.” DeVry University has a strong tradition of graduating Latino students. According to an annual survey by educational trade publication Diverse: Issues in Higher Education of the "Top 100 Degree Producers” of bachelor's degree graduates who are students of color, DeVry University is the leading producer of Hispanic graduates earning bachelor's degrees in the field of Computer and Information Science and Support Services in the United States. About DeVry University As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America, DeVry University provides high-quality, career-oriented associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. More than 48,000 students are enrolled at its 88 locations in 25 states and Canada, as well as through DeVry University Online. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE:DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu. About MiGente.com MiGente.com, a Community Connect Inc. company, is a leading online niche social networking website for the Hispanic community. As the fastest growing online community targeting English-speaking Latinos with nearly one million unique visitors per month, those who share similar bi-cultural experiences are given a platform to meet one another and make their voices heard. MiGente.com's content reflects members' needs and interests, with dedicated pages for professional networking and dating. Additionally, the site provides a culturally rich environment bringing members the latest updates in news, music, politics, entertainment, style and much more. MiGente.com's proprietary technology platform provides members with the most user-friendly tools to connect with their community.