LaTreal Peterson was born on Chicago’s South Side, and raised in Englewood, a neighborhood beset with a host of social and economic problems. Despite these issues, Peterson has earned a Gates Millenium Scholarship, entitling him to full college tuition at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He will study business this fall, and hopes to eventually own a stake in an NFL or NBA franchise.

An outgoing senior at John Hope College Preparatory High School, Peterson took the time to sit down with Medill Reports to reflect on his experiences, and discuss issues that still need to be addressed in the school system.

MEDILL REPORTS: Could you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

LaTREAL PETERSON: I have lived in Englewood my whole life. I have two brothers and a sister, but I stay with my sister, and my brothers stay with their father. I went to Beasley Academic Center on 52^nd and State for grammar school.

MR: You live in a neighborhood that has been greatly affected by social and economic issues. Can you talk about some of the challenges you have overcome?

LP: Well, coming from a low-income family. Being in a neighborhood where there are a lot of underachievers. I’m not saying that they can’t do it, but they don’t put their mind to do it. So many people in my neighborhood have so much potential, but they let it go to waste. But at the same time, the people in my neighborhood encourage and inspire me. People on my block try to teach me not to make some of the same mistakes they have. My community is very supportive.

MR: And what has enabled you to make your choices?

LP: Well, my family, and being devoted to being a Christian. God has placed an incredible support system around me, such as family members, peers, friends, teachers, counselors and my pastor. I think it all starts at home. My family ignited me. If you want to get somewhere in life, you have to put God first. Next is education. My great-grandmother advanced my education. I want to say I was homeschooled in a sense because at five years old, I was learning multiplication and division. I was reading big books – not books such as Dr. Seuss and The Cat in the Hat. Instead I read books about [former Chicago mayor] Harold Washington. I’ve been involved in a lot of things, but I pay all of these respects to my great-grandmother and grandfather, God and my family.

MR: As you are graduating, what are some of the concerns that remain for your peers here?

LP: Well, a lack of funding. At a lot of schools, students are not able to take home their books because there’s only a classroom set of books. Instead of being able to go home and do my homework, I have to run a set schedule and do my work in school. I understand [the school system] can only afford so much for so many students. Classes are overcrowded. A student who is really in need of help can’t get individual one-on-one help from a teacher because they have overcrowded classrooms.

MR: Violence is an issue that is very prevalent among today’s Chicago youth. Twenty-four school-age children have been killed this year. What do you think needs to be done to curb the violence?

LP: I think we need to provide more opportunities for youths like myself. More summer jobs, more buildings in the community – like gyms. We need more extracurricular activities; not just coming from the school, but also from our neighborhoods.

MR: Has any of the violence affected you personally?

LP: I know people that have been killed, but at the same time, I just walk by faith. I don’t allow it to affect me. I just have to keep continuing to pray and trust in God and know that the violence is going to turn around one day. I’ll continue pursuing my education and striving to be the best I can be so I can reach out. So the things I’m saying now, about the things we need in our community, I won’t just be talking about it, but I’ll be able to put them into action, and literally bring it to my community.

MR: Would you say this school system has adequately prepared you for the next level?

LP: I believe so. You can blame the school system for a lot of stuff, but at the same time, you have to use what you have. I think people in the world take advantage of so many negative things, and don’t take advantage of the positive things. When I came into high school, I was focused on getting my high school diploma, but I never thought that I would attend the National Young Leaders Conference or the Global Young Leaders Conference. This school has helped to prepare me well. When I go to a global conference, competing against international students from China, the Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Japan, and I don’t feel any less than they are. I just feel like we need more resources for our school.

MR: The dropout rate is another issue among students in Chicago. What do you think is going to keep students in school?

LP: More teachers that are concerned that aren’t just worried about a paycheck. You need more teachers that are willing to go the extra mile. I think success is achieved when you step outside your comfort zone. There should be more activities aimed toward students that students enjoy. Make learning fun. Not just come to school, and have a set lesson plan for the classroom. I’m a kinesthetic learner, so I like to learn hands-on.

MR: Can you sum up your experience over the last four years in one word, and explain why?

LP: Unbelievable. When I came into high school, my focus was to graduate with honors. I never thought I would do so many things at such an early age. I have such a wonderful support system here at John Hope. Not just my peers, but my teachers who are willing to take out time to help me with essays, stay after school and stay late on weekends. Also, my principal and counselors encouraged and supported me. They recommended me for the conferences. That makes me want to learn more. That makes me eager and hungry to learn and get more exposure to the world.

MR: Is there anything else you would like to let our readers know?

LP: Stay focused. Don’t allow pessimistic people to pick your future. If you have your eyes set on something, continue to stay focused. There are so many distractions around here. When you have a goal, work hard. That’s what I think success is. Success is working hard. Work hard, and just go after what you want. Be determined. Don’t let anybody deter you and tell you what you can and cannot do.