When Tania Perez-Galvez arrived in Peoria, Illinois, in 2021, she carried little more than a backpack and a dream of becoming a teacher. At just 16 years old, she had left behind her life in Honduras, her beloved family, and the only home she had ever known. The only person waiting for her in the United States was her father, a man she barely knew—he had moved to the U.S. when she was just two years old, and their relationship had been mostly long-distance. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, with no English skills and no close connections, Tania’s story is one of faith, resilience, and an unyielding drive to create a better future for herself and others.
Today, Tania is not only a graduate of Manual High School but has returned to her alma mater as a paraprofessional. She works in a Life Skills classroom, where her bilingual skills and deep empathy have transformed the lives of the students she serves. Her journey from a scared teenager navigating a new world to an emerging special education educator is one of hope and inspiration—proof that dreams can be realized through hard work and determination.
Tania's dream of becoming a teacher was born in her childhood in Honduras. “Even in kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she recalls. She would play “classroom” with her nephew, embracing the role of teacher as she guided him through lessons. But her dream took on a deeper meaning when she came to the U.S. and faced the challenges of adapting to a completely new life.
“When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t speak English. I was afraid to start school because I thought people would bully me,” Tania shared. But instead of facing bullying, she found mentors who saw her potential and encouraged her to dream bigger. Two teachers at Manual High School, Miss Bailey and Ms. Hinrichsen, became her guiding lights. They not only helped her overcome the language barrier but also supported her in applying to Illinois Central College (ICC), where Tania completed two years of study while working hard to master English.
After graduating from Manual in 2024, Tania took a job as a paraprofessional in the Life Skills classroom with Ms. Getz at the very school that helped her thrive. At first, she thought she would pursue early childhood education, but working with special needs students completely changed her perspective. “My students are wonderful,” Tania said with a smile. “They’re sweet, and they make me feel like I’m making a difference in their lives. Even small milestones, like helping a student zip their jacket or open their milk carton for the first time, fill me with so much joy.” Ms. Getz has been instrumental in building Tania’s confidence in the classroom by sharing teaching strategies and guiding her through IEP meetings.
One of the most meaningful experiences in Tania’s career has been working with Spanish-speaking students who face both language and developmental barriers. For one student, who was almost nonverbal when Tania first met him, she became his bridge to communication. “He wouldn’t speak to anyone, but I kept talking to him in Spanish and little by little, he started to open up. Now, he speaks to me often, and seeing his confidence grow has been one of the most rewarding moments of my life.”
Tania’s journey has not been without sacrifices. She works full-time, attends school as a full-time student, and sends money back to her mother in Honduras, who cares for Tania’s elderly grandmother. Balancing her responsibilities has been challenging, but her faith and the daily encouragement she receives from her mother keep her going. “Every morning, my mom sends me a voice message saying, ‘I love you. I’m proud of you. I pray for you every day.’ That motivates me to keep working hard.”
Tania’s dedication to her students and her own education has not gone unnoticed. She has earned prestigious scholarships, including the Grow Your Own and Golden Apple scholarships, which have supported her journey to becoming a licensed special education teacher. This fall, she will take the next step in her journey by enrolling at Illinois State University, where she plans to earn her Professional Educator License and LBS1 endorsement.
Tania dreams of creating a classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. “I want my students to know that their dreams are possible, no matter the challenges they face,” she says. “I’ve been in their shoes, and I want them to see that with faith, hard work, and consistency, they can achieve anything.”
Looking back on her journey, Tania is most proud of how far she has come in learning English and building a life in a new country. From a young girl in Honduras with a dream of teaching to a soon-to-be licensed special education educator, Tania’s story is a powerful reminder that hard work and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
“If I could go back and speak to the version of myself who was just arriving in the U.S., I’d say, ‘Don’t be afraid. You are going to accomplish so much, and you’ll meet so many angels along the way who will help you.’”
Tania Perez-Galvez is proof that with courage, faith, and a heart full of purpose, dreams can become reality. Her story inspires not just her students but everyone who has the privilege of hearing it.
