Turpeau and his cofounders know the challenges
these young people face. Turpeau says he has lived in more foster homes than he can count, battled with illegal substances, and engaged in gang and criminal activities for survival. He says he, too, benefitted from people coming into his life at the right time and helping him rise above his challenges. This included a mentor who befriended him when he was in a group home at age 10 and continues to be an important part of his life today, as well as the foster mom who gave him his first stable home at age 16 and became his family. He lived with her until he was 21, and they remained close until her death three years ago. Turpeau eventually decided to focus on his
education. He attended college, graduating with a degree in psychology, and went to work managing a psychiatric hospital and residential treatment center for boys and girls. He later decided to pursue a mas- ter’s in social work at Loyola. He says his goal was to develop an organization like SYESA, and Loyola gave him the leadership skills and academic background to make it happen. SYESA’s Success by 25 program targets youth
“I had a crazy life growing up. But I had sup- port, and that helped me get where I am to- day. I am highly blessed.”
who are leaving the system and, therefore, losing resources and connec- tions to positive adults. The program extends support until age 25, so participants don’t “fall off the cliff.” SYESA holds support groups and edu- cational workshops, pro- vides clothes and food, and matches partici- pants with life coaches, many of whom have had a successful transition out of foster care. The
coaches work on establishing long- and short-term goals for education, housing, and employment. State Representative Sara Feigenholtz recently
introduced a resolution in the Illinois General As- sembly recognizing them for being the state’s first former foster children to create a non-profit youth organization. Turpeau says much of his success is due to posi-
tive adults realizing his potential and helping him see it, too. That’s what he hopes SYESA can bring to people who are trying to make it after leaving a lifetime of foster care. “I had a crazy life growing up,” he says. “But I had
support, and that helped me get where I am today. I am highly blessed.”
Candace Asiedu (MD ’12) finds out she’ll be a family medicine resident at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois.
The envelope, please
On March 16, the atrium at the Stritch School of Medicine was filled with screams and tears of joy as 127 medical students learned the next steps in their careers. In the same room where the class of 2012 received their first white coats, together they opened the green envelopes that revealed the location where they would see their first patients as MDs.
Ryan Masterson performs the national anthem prior to the Jesuit Jam men’s basket- ball game on Feb. 3 at Gentile Arena.
Jesuit Jam in Gentile
Every year, Loyola’s Jesuits sponsor a “Jesuit Jam” basketball game. This year’s was held on February 3, as the Ramblers took on Cleveland State. The Jesuits staged a dance contest, musical chairs, and other fun activities during game breaks.
IGNATIAN HERITAGE WEEK
MATCH DAY AT STRITCH
SPRING 2012
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