How Alejandro’s Journey from Mexico to St. Augustine College Helped Him Build a Flexible Future

 

At St. Augustine College, every student’s journey is unique. From balancing work and family to navigating a new language and culture, our alumni show how determination paired with support can transform lives. In this spotlight, we speak with Alejandro De La Luz, a proud alumnus and current Director of Workforce Development, about his experience, challenges, and advice for future students.

“When I first came here from Mexico, I didn’t speak much English,” Alejandro De La Luz remembers. “St. Augustine was one of the few places that made me feel like I could actually belong — like it was okay to start where I was.”

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are, and your background?

Absolutely. I was born in LA in the early ’90s. My parents were living there at the time. I stayed in LA for about four or five years, and then my parents moved back to Mexico City. I grew up there, went to elementary school, some high school, and college in Mexico. Later, we moved to another state for a bit, but I finished my high school and college there as well. I’ve been coming to the US for vacations almost all my life. Right now, I’m married, and I have a four-and-a-half-year-old daughter who keeps me extremely busy every day.

What first brought you to St. Augustine College? 

I moved to the US in 2017. My parents had moved in 2015 with my brother, looking for a change. I stayed in Mexico at the time because I was finishing college. One day I just decided to move here to Chicago to continue my education. I was accepted at UIC, like my brother, but the schedule didn’t fit my life — I needed to work and support my family.

My mom suggested I check out St. Augustine College. She works in education for adult learners and thought it might be a good fit. I met with an academic advisor, and what really stood out to me was the flexibility. Evening classes meant I could work during the day and go to school at night. That flexibility is what brought me here, and I decided to continue my education.

Which program did you choose and why?

I did a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. I’ve always been interested in business — my grandfather had his own businesses, and my dad worked in operations and project management. I’ve always been intrigued by business management and strategy, so it felt like a natural choice for me.

How did St. Augustine College shape your educational experience, especially with the small class sizes and community environment?

St. Augustine offers a very familiar environment. Everyone knows each other — students, academic advisors, staff, even the president. That makes a big difference.

When you’re from another country and not familiar with the culture or the system, having a place where you can ask questions and get attention is huge. Small classrooms mean more personalized attention. If you have questions, you can address them quickly and learn in a controlled environment.

I already knew English when I came, since I learned it in school in Mexico, but many students start with very little English. St. Augustine helps them through ESL programs, bilingual classes, and eventually full English classes. That support is invaluable.

How was your transfer experience from UIC to St. Augustine?

It was great. The academic advisors were flexible and accommodating — I even met with one on a Saturday morning. They looked at my transcripts from Mexico and helped me understand my options. They explained the outcomes of different paths and helped me make decisions based on my background and goals. That personalized support is something bigger universities don’t always provide.

How did St. Augustine prepare you for your career after graduation?

Even while I was still in school, I met incredible people who motivated me. I got my first job in the US as an intern at a Small Business Development Center through the Chamber of Commerce. Everything was in English, which pushed me out of my comfort zone.

A mentor from college told me to immerse myself in situations that felt uncomfortable. That advice stuck with me. I started speaking English every day, connecting what I was learning in class to my work, and that really built my confidence. My homework often became my job, which was an amazing experience.

How has your degree influenced your long-term professional growth?

It helped me professionally and personally. I could show knowledge and skills I gained in class at work. Seeing instructors and staff succeed despite coming from backgrounds similar to mine gave me confidence. Later, when I saw a project management opportunity at St. Augustine, I applied and started working here in 2019. My education directly helped me reach that point.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities at St. Augustine now?

I’m the Director of Workforce Development. I oversee workforce programs, vocational training, pre-apprenticeship programs, and more. My work involves meetings, calls with funders, reporting to the state, foundations, and the city. I also develop department policies and new programs. It’s intense, but I love it because I see the impact we have on people’s lives.

How does it feel to work at the same place where you studied?

At first, it was weird — I would cross from one building to the other, sometimes finishing work at 5:30 and then going to class. But it really helped me transition and grow professionally. I see students and staff I knew when I was a student, and now we have different relationships. It’s really rewarding.

What makes St. Augustine’s approach to education unique or valuable?

The bilingual approach is key. Students get tailored attention based on their needs. Some students need more support, some less — but everyone gets what they need.

Many students start with little or no English and leave fluent. Classes in Spanish count toward graduation, which builds confidence. Adults with families can take advantage of flexible scheduling. That combination — support, flexibility, and bilingual instruction — is what makes St. Augustine unique.

What advice would you give prospective students?

Just take the risk. Don’t be afraid. Work hard and pursue your goals. Ask questions — no question is bad. People here want to help.

Even if you start with a GED, vocational training, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, the institution can guide you through your professional journey. It will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue growing.

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’ve always had high expectations and was very strict with myself. That can be overwhelming. Go with the flow, do what you need to do, and stay disciplined — but don’t let self-criticism take away from your experience.

How do you see a degree from St. Augustine opening doors for students in the future?

Many doors. St. Augustine prepares students for employment and advancement. People finish programs and immediately get jobs or supervisory roles. If you focus, work hard, and trust your instructors, your degree can change your life — it did for me.

Ready to start your journey? Explore St. Augustine College programs today and take the first step toward your future.