Shania Harris

NLCP Class of 2018

Grand Valley State University, BA

“Through Phoenix Pact, I was able to experience a world outside of Chicago. I was able to find myself as an individual, understand where I wanted to be in the future, and outline the steps needed to get there.”


After focusing on Criminal Justice at GVSU, Shania is now studying to obtain teaching licensure while simultaneously teaching Visual Arts and coaching sports at North Lawndale College Prep.

Shania acknowledges that there have been challenges, and is quick to share her experiences with future Pact Scholars. “There were obstacles. Culture shock– but only because the environment at college was different from what I've known all my life. I didn't let that stop me from seeing the bigger picture. I broke barriers of tradition by being the first to graduate college on both sides of my family. With that, I was able to set a new tradition for youth in my family after me,” she says proudly.


“If I could leave you with anything, remember: Life is what you make it. If you fail, it's not about the failure, but what you do afterwards.”