stephanie

Welcome to the U Can Turn It Around Spotlight! This is the place where we highlight outstanding young people! We hear so much negative information about our youth and never hear about our young people that are going above and beyond. This submission is from Rita Karlo. Check out Stephanie an outstanding young person. If you know of a young person doing great things or that has turned their negatives into positives submit a bio and a picture so that we can honor them! Email us at [email protected].  Like our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ucanturnitaround/?fref=ts  and follow us on all social media at @uturnitaround 

I first met Stephanie Woods Machado when I went to Cuba in 2010.  I stayed in her house and she and I began to get close.  She was only 16 at the time. Her and her younger sister showed such warmth and respect toward me during my stay in La Isla de la Juventud, Cuba.  Living in Cuba is not easy, especially in La Isla.  There is often no water and limited food. Things we often take for granted here like beef, toilet paper or plastic bags are not affordable to the people in Cuba.

Stephanie came to Chicago two years ago and lived with me.  During this short time, she earned her GED, learned English fluently and was able to get her residency.  This fall, she will attend Northeastern University. She works in a day care full time and manages to live independently.  Stephanie has also taught children music at Rico Music School. She continues to give music lessons to children at Latin Music School & YCC Productions. She sings and plays piano in a Humboldt Park church.  Stephanie is an accomplised pianist, excels in the clarinet and has great vocal talent.  In the little time she has been in Chicago, she has accomplised so much.