Harper College

Ten Questions with Maricarmen Gonzalez

ten questions with maricarmen gonzalez

In fifth grade, Maricarmen Gonzalez was part of an organization called AVID (Advanced Via Individual Determination) that specializes in helping students explore college and career opportunities. With this group, she visited Harper College for a campus tour and knew instantly that she wanted to come here.

The beautiful campus, students studying and playing frisbee outside, the welcoming employees—It left a big enough impression that she not only enrolled at Harper College, she ran for Student Trustee, a position she proudly holds today.

In this role, Maricarmen is determined to inspire change. Through her work with Hawks Care (a campus resource offering food, supplies and clothing to students in need) to her work pushing forward the Lyft Pass Program (offering discounted Lyft rides to credit-enrolled Harper students), her work towards effecting change is just getting started. Here are ten questions with Maricarmen Gonzalez.

1. Describe your perfect day.

A warm and sunny summer day surrounded by nature! I could spend all day at the Chicago Botanic Garden, especially when the flowers are blooming and birds are chirping. I also have a big sweet tooth, so I would top the day off with some ice cream and a Disney movie with my sisters.

2. You could be best friends with one fictional character, who do you choose and why?

Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. I love her because she always fights for what is right. Seeing this movie at a young age really pushed me to think “maybe I want to be a lawyer one day.” And that’s exactly the path that I’m on. Plus, she’s really fashionable, I would literally steal her wardrobe every day!

3. What’s the best advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself. My Mom really emphasized this throughout the pandemic, and it motivated me to keep going. More often than not, we are our own worst critics, but once you push past the self doubt and criticism, you can do anything you set your mind to.

4. What songs are essential to the Maricarmen Gonzalez-curated playlist?

  • “Carolina,“ “Late Night Talking” and “Cherry” by Harry Styles
  • “August” and “Lover” by Taylor Swift
  • “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo
  • “Only Human” by Jonas Brothers
  • “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele
  • “What A Feeling” and “Something Great” by One Direction
  • “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna

5. Dream vacation?

I’ve always wanted to visit Paris! See the Eiffel Tower, visit the museums, go shopping, sit at the cafes and enjoy the pastries—it would be a dream come true!

6. Favorite quote?

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

7. What do you wonder about?

I wonder what the future of technology will look like. With so many challenges facing my generation, it’s natural to wonder how technology will advance to help us meet those challenges.

8. What would your loved ones say is your best quality?

I think they would say that I’m caring. I genuinely care about what people are going through and want to do everything in my power to help those in need. This is one of the reasons I’m set on being a lawyer!

9. What are you hopeful for?

I’m hopeful we’ll find a solution to the climate crisis. With every election season that comes, I’m hopeful that people of all generations will use their voice and vote to make this the number one issue.

10. What do you love most about Harper College?

When I first came to Harper as a student, it was the middle of the pandemic and I was so encouraged by how welcoming and kind everyone was! To this day, at every turn, someone is always there to help me succeed and accomplish my goals. Oh, and the campus is beautiful, too!

Last Updated: 3/14/24