Turning Challenges into Change

For Ana Arreola-Chapa, education is so much more than earning a degree, it’s about transforming her life’s challenges into a mission to uplift others and create lasting change. Drawn to NC State, Arreola-Chapa’s decision to pursue a master’s degree in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences was deeply influenced by her life experiences and her exposure to diverse cultural environments. Throughout her journey, Arreola-Chapa discovered that many of the challenges faced by the families she seeks to help mirror struggles from her past. “I wished for guidance that wasn’t there,” she reflects a sentiment that fuels her unwavering commitment to using her academic knowledge and personal connection as a driving force behind her desire to support families in meaningful and impactful ways.

Arreola-Chapa’s time at NC State has been transformative, particularly in her understanding of a client-centered approach to assisting families. “I’ve learned that the key to effectively assisting families is not to impose my solutions but to deeply understand and respect the family’s values, needs, and unique circumstances,” Arreola-Chapa shares. This approach has enriched her studies and given her insights that she’ll carry into her future work. 

Two faculty members at NC State have had a lasting impact on Arreola-Chapa’s academic and personal growth. Autumn Guin, an adjunct professor in the AHS department, showed patience, attentiveness, and constant encouragement. Guin’s dedication to students, inside and outside the classroom, helped Arreola-Chapa embrace her new career path and see her potential in the field. Another key influence is Jamie Alexander, an assistant professor in AHS, whose constructive feedback and guidance pushed Arreola-Chapa to improve every week. Alexander’s passion for the subjects she taught inspired Arreola-Chapa to be mindful of the diverse needs of her audience in her future work.

At the heart of Arreola-Chapa’s journey are her children, who serve as her constant source of inspiration and motivation. “As I embarked on the journey of motherhood, I was confronted with a stark reality. I could either conform to culturally ingrained parenting practices that lacked foundation or strive for a more enlightened approach,” Arreola-Chapa explains. Choosing the latter, she firmly believes in the power parents have to positively shape their families and future generations, filling them with hope and optimism. 

Arreola-Chapa serves her community in numerous ways, but her primary role is as the Family Life Director at a faith-based organization, where she plays a crucial role in implementing and facilitating parenting and family programs. In a community rich in cultural diversity, the organization has introduced parenting workshops to address the growing disconnect between first- and second-generation immigrant families. These workshops provide parents with a better understanding of how to navigate their children’s developmental years in a culture that may be vastly different from their upbringing. “It’s crucial to provide these families with the support they need to bridge cultural gaps and foster strong, healthy relationships,” Arreola-Chapa emphasizes. In addition to her current responsibilities, She’s also about to take on the Safe Environment Program, which ensures staff and volunteer safety, showing the organization’s commitment to creating a secure environment for all.

This fall, Arreola-Chapa started an internship at the Henderson Newcomers School, which is a school that serves students who are new to the United States and the American education system. It is a step she’s excited about as it will enhance her career and better prepare her for future challenges. Looking ahead, Arreola-Chapa has big plans for the future. She will earn her master’s degree this fall and aims to get her Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential in the spring. One of her goals is to expand the family education programs at the faith-based organization where she works. “With a larger team, I see us offering even more resources and support to families, building a strong sense of unity and belonging in the community,” she says.

As she reflects on her path, Arreola-Chapa says her life experiences and exposure to diverse cultures led to her desire to help families and her commitment to creating positive change. Arreola-Chapa’s journey is a powerful example of how education, resilience, and dedication can lead to a better future for the families and communities she serves.