A day to remember: Addison Trail senior enjoys career-exploration experience with Village of Addison

District 88 is committed to providing multiple and flexible pathways for students to ensure they are college and career ready and prepared to successfully accomplish their post-high school goals – whether that’s college, military service or entering the workforce.

And Addison Trail senior Alexzander Sanchez recently experienced the support of the district, as two staff members assisted in helping to make his dream career a reality. Director of Deans Evelina Rodriguez recognized Sanchez’s passion for building and creating homes from the ground up, and she connected him with District 88 Director of Student Career Development Iridia Nevarez to pursue a career-exploration opportunity.

Sanchez was recently able to spend a day with Village of Addison staff – including Mayor Tom Hundley, Village Manager Joe Maranowicz, Director of Community Development Mike Crandall and Community Development Inspector Jose Nieto – to learn about the industry.

“It was a busy and inspiring day,” Sanchez said. “It was a day I’ll never forget and a small step that brought me one giant leap closer to my future in land development.”

Sanchez said Nieto welcomed him with open arms and immediately took him under his wing. Nieto showed him how to read blueprints, introduced him to the inspection and building staff and drove him throughout the village to visit homes Nieto had personally inspected. Nieto also introduced Sanchez to Juan Gonzalez, a partial owner of a land development firm – the exact field Sanchez hopes to enter.

The day ended with lunch at Shoeless Joe’s (which is owned by Addison Trail alumnus Joe Macchitelli), where Nieto and Sanchez talked about the construction world and what it takes to succeed. The village then gave Sanchez a warm farewell, along with a mug and a notebook as a keepsake.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone in the village for treating me like I was at home,” Sanchez said. “They answered every question I had and made me feel seen. I couldn’t have done this without Ms. Nevarez and Ms. Rodriguez. Thanks again, everyone – and I promise, I’ll make you all proud one day.”