Age 19, Class of 2020
Legacy Youth Participant
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Howar was raised in the Humboldt Park community of Chicago and attended North Grand High School, earning his high school diploma. He participated in the Legacy Youth after-school program and traveled with the program to Lake Geneva, WI on a leadership retreat.
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Currently Attending: Malcolm X College
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Major(s): Nursing
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Favorite Legacy Youth Lesson: Effective communication. Throughout my time in the program, I learned how to be more vocal with my peers. I overcame my fear of rejection, specifically the fear of having my ideas rejected if I shared them with others. I’ve realized that not everyone is going to like our ideas, but if you believe in it then you should give voice to it.
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Proudest Accomplishment to Date: Pursuing my college goals and working hard to graduate with not only a B.A. in Nursing, but also a Master’s Degree through the Malcolm X College and Rush University Bridge program.
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Future Goals: I plan to graduate from Malcolm X College with a B.A. and M.A. in Nursing. My career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner and open my own practice in Chicago someday.
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Advice for Current Legacy Youth: The most important advice I can give to current Legacy Youth is to STAY IN THE PROGRAM. Others may try to convince you that it is not worth your time, but trust me, it is. You will gain so much from this program. Professionalism is an important attribute to have and that is something this program will teach you.
Howar Ruiz
“Legacy Leaders helped shape the person I am today. I am not afraid to introduce myself, to share my thoughts in group settings, or speak up if I have ideas that differ from others. I've learned how to be a stronger leader and it all started with Legacy Leaders.”