CTK Alum Undergoes Significant Growth on College Journey

“Through my experiences at NIU, I am focused on telling my story, and now have a meaningful story to tell.”

Jaylen Brownlee ’22 is in his final semester at Northern Illinois University (NIU). He expects to graduate on December 13th with a degree in Finance. He will be the first in his immediate family to graduate from college. He credits his parents for being with him every step of the way, learning together, and providing the support system he needed. Jaylen’s story is one of growth and overcoming timidness to get involved in several meaningful activities while at NIU. Along the way, he learned more about himself, while also finding opportunities to help others on their own journeys. 

Jaylen returned to CTK earlier this year for the all-class alumni reunion. He remarked on being impressed with the campus enhancements, but even more so, acknowledging how far he had come since graduating. He says that while he matured during his time at CTK, “I didn’t really enjoy the person I was then. At the time, I wasn’t focused on things that were beneficial to me, and didn’t get involved in many CTK activities.” He did enjoy the class retreats and the service projects he took part in. He also credits Mr. Michael Laughlin and his other math teachers with instilling in him the importance of taking himself and schoolwork more seriously. “Math was not my strong suit. Their belief in my ability gave me confidence. I played too much, and got distracted. They helped me see there was a time and place for that. They helped bring out the best in me,” 

He recalls receiving an award for African American history at his CTK graduation. While he was surprised at the time, when he looks back, he recognizes that it was a class he enjoyed and was interested in - “my interest influenced my efforts.” He actively participated, asked questions, and focused on getting the work done. He also developed a relationship with the teacher. 

The Corporate Work Study Program opportunity was a key reason he enrolled at CTK. During his time at CTK, except for an interruption for Covid-19, Jaylen worked at the US Foods corporate office. He valued the professional experience and office, communication, and the digital skills he honed while working there. He especially liked the approach US Foods executives took to making him and all employees feel recognized and valued. Now, as he is starting his post-college job search,  he expresses regret in not making more of an effort to build relationships while at US Foods and in staying connected with his co-workers.

Adjusting to college was a roller coaster of emotions and experiences for Jaylen.  He overcame being homesick and considering leaving early on. His parents encouraged him to be resilient and keep pushing himself. Importantly, he learned he needed to apply himself, socially and academically, and to take the initiative to make the best of his opportunities. He also leaned on his Resident Assistants (RAs) for advice and guidance on handling the problems he was experiencing. Those relationships served as inspiration for Jaylen to later become an RA himself. 

Jaylen has grown to believe in the power and importance of relationship building and networking. Unlike in high school, he has been motivated to stay involved at NIU: “It makes my time on campus a lot more enjoyable to always have something to do socially or professionally.” His role as an RA allows him to foster community and help younger students adjust to college life. He is able to leverage his college experiences to provide tips and advice to the 30 residents on his floor, helping them to navigate their own college journeys. He acts as a resource for questions, concerns, or problems, either helping them directly or pointing them towards available resources.

The senior’s extensive activity list includes a Senator role in the NIU Student Government Association, Secretary for the Underground Network for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators, a general member of the Black Men Initiative, a member of the Financial Management Association, and founder of a Sunday Morning Run Club, which also advocates for youth involvement supporting causes like breast cancer awareness and voter registration. Jaylen also finds time to work 20 to 25 hours a week at the Walmart near campus.

In his last college semester, Jaylen is enjoying his 400-level finance classes in financial risk management, strategic management, international finance, and financial modeling. He is looking forward to starting his career at a company where he can learn and develop. He is considering corporate finance, financial advisor, and real estate positions, including a rotational financial development program opportunity. In his job interviews, Jaylen can speak to his experiences and projects worked on, telling his story with tangible examples. While his preference is to start working and earning money, he is keeping the door open to pursuing his MBA, potentially at NIU in an accelerated 1-year program.

When we spoke, Jaylen was getting ready for his last homecoming weekend as a NIU student. Reflecting on his personal development, he said. “I have grown exponentially personally and professionally. At the same time, I’ve grown to enjoy life and the person I’ve become. When I came to NIU, I was timid and trying to find myself. It took a lot of learning over the past 4 years through my experiences. I now know the choices I make are important; who I surround myself with and what I devote my time to all contribute to my growth. Faith is an important part of my life and who I am. Knowing God’s with me every step of the way makes me more confident. I know I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I have everything I need to help me get to where I’m going.”

Best of luck, Jaylen.