What is your first and last name?

“La Joyce Morales”

What is your job title?

“Duplicating Services Operator”

How long have you been working at Niles North?    

“23 years”

What is your favorite moment that you’ve shared with a student?   

       “My favorite moments are listening to students share their dreams, aspirations, and accomplishment with me. Our former 2019 Alum Student Leader of D.R.E.A.M. always expressed her interest in her freshman year that she wanted to join the U.S. Army. I ran into her post-COVID and she shared with me that she passed the Basic Training in the U.S. Army and she would be stationed in Texas. She said, ‘It was so hard Ms. La Joyce, but I couldn’t give up’  I am so proud of her.”

“There is another Student 2002 Alum, she was 1 of  4 siblings at NN. She was an extremely bright student and she graduated from NN.  She was born to succeed.  She graduated with the Class of 2021 with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas, MN.  She speaks highly of her teachers at NN.  Last year she asked me to contact some of her former teachers to share the exciting news. I was also able to contact two of her retired SPED Teachers/English Teachers.  Educators are our HEROES globally.”

How has being a Black woman in America shaped who you are today?

       “I MUST SPEAK FROM MY HEART.  I was born and raised in a predominately Black Community.  It wasn’t until my Sophomore year of High School that I made the decision to transfer from my all-Black School to a more diverse high school population.  Of course, my mother supported me every step of the way and it was there my teen life changed. I had never experienced racism on that level in my life until my first week at my new high school.  In fact, I got my first “Character Builder” in my second week of school.  I believe at NN it’s called “BAC“. I continued putting my trust and faith in my believer. I know I am here on purpose for a purpose. My relationship with God has shaped and molded me to be the Strong Black Woman that I am born and raised in America to be.”

What is your hope for the future of Black women in Teaching and Education roles?

       “The hope I have for the future of Black women in Teaching and Education roles is for them to continue to be the trailblazers, world changers in whatever God-given skills, talents, abilities, gifts that they possess to uplift and reach/educate all students   Black women are the great representation of what Black and Brown students need in the field of Education. Black women Educators help our students feel more connected to their high school. Most importantly, my hope would be for them to be HIRED, RETAINED, SUPPORTED, PROTECTED, and for EQUITY on the pay scale in schools all over the world.  I have personally gotten the opportunity to meet many Black Educators over the years for who I have had nothing but complete admiration and respect for all they have done not only for our students but for me as well. What an inspiration.”

Did you have any inspiring women role models growing up?

    “Yes, my loving Mother was my #1 role model. She was my biggest supporter/advocate.  My Grand-Mother was an ordained minister. She instilled so much in me as a child. Lastly, my 7th grade “Home Economics”  teacher Ms. Queen which was her first name. I was terribly shy as a child.  She helped me overcome my shyness by working with me after school faithfully. I think about her all the time.  I would like to add, my eldest sister’s name is Lisa JaQueen. I always wished my mother gave me her name as my middle name.”

How have you grown since working at Niles North?

    “I have grown by learning about the various cultures and languages within the Niles North Community. No matter where I am headed in life a part of Niles North will always be in my heart.”

What is something that students don’t know about you?

“I once worked at Stroger’s Hospital formally known as the  “Cook County Hospital”  in the Children’s Ward.” 

What is your favorite cookout song?

“Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.”

What song never fails to make you smile?  

“I Smile by Kirk Franklin”