Meet Michelle Gonzales. After leaving her career of 12 years as a third grade teacher, she took a job as a Legislative Assistant for State Senator Scott Bennett of Illinois’ 52nd District in March of 2015. Realizing her skill as a teacher translated to her current position, she found that she would be able to serve in a much larger scale in this new position. She has also been able to more effectively address and assist the needs of the community, and has had the opportunity to take on a variety of volunteer positions.
She is someone so grateful for this opportunity, and she definitely looks forward to seeing how her story will continue to unfold.
Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story with us and for your love for Champaign-Urbana.
Questions:
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: I really thought my calling was to be a teacher. I did it and it was the most gratifying career I could ever imagine having. But after 12 years, I wondered if that was what I was destined to do for the rest of my life. I decided to put in a leave of absence, and I got a job in the online education unit at the University doing office support work. After a few months, Scott Bennett was appointed to be the state senator in January of 2015. I knew him through social circles. He knew my job story, and that I was at the university doing support work. In March, he offered me the position to be his assistant. I was undecided when he asked me and told him I needed to think about it. I went to work the next day. My supervisor called me into her office told me that my position was being terminated. With the new governor and all the budget cuts, the university had to make some changes. That made my decision for me. I began working for the senator soon after and I’ve been running his district office for almost five years now. Before I became one, while I was and after I stopped being a teacher, I never dreamed I’d be working for a public official. Yet here I am and I wouldn’t trade these past five years in for anything.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Champaign-Urbana, and what do you love there?
A: Black Dog, I just had rib tips today. My favorite sauce is the Georgia Peach.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Champaign-Urbana?
A: In August of this year, I will have lived in Champaign for 30 years. I started working here when I was in college.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Champaign-Urbana?
A: Senator Scott Bennett. He’s taught me so much and he’s a phenomenal representative of our district.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I love the mountains and I’ve always wanted to go to Nepal.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: I think Snow White.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: I’m about to do that, I’m going to be a speaker at That’s What She Said on February 22nd. I’ll be sharing the stage with nine other women and speaking to about a thousand people at the Virginia Theater. It’s going to be about my story and how I’ve gotten to where I am. I will talk about my definition of what is a teacher. I have been a teacher, but more than anything, I’ve grown to learn that everything is y teacher: every experience, person, group, and obstacle.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: To travel and see the world. I’ve gone skydiving 3 times, but I would always be willing to do it again. I feel overwhelming gratitude for what I’ve been able to do so far in my life, so it’s hard to want or ask for more. Every day is a gift.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Champaign-Urbana?
A: My sister came here to Champaign-Urbana 2 years before I did in 1988. She loved the Courier, so it’s one of my first favorite restaurants in town. I love the charm and coziness.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Champaign-Urbana?
A: The people. I truly believe there’s something magical about this community because of the quality of the people that come here, whether that be through the University or just the people embedded in the community that attract more people. I feel like it’s created this culture of diversity, engagement, intellect, kindness and compassion that I think is very special in our community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I was divorced 7 years ago, and I began a serious relationship with a very kind man a year and a half ago. I don’t claim to know what the future holds, but hopefully, I’ll be somewhere with him, and doing good work within the community. If not here, then maybe relocate elsewhere. My son graduates from high school in 2 and half years. Who knows? We shall see.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: My life is an open book. I think the things that are “interesting” about me, most people already know about. I do have a sister, though, who became an audiologist and lost her hearing two years after she started her career. She was able to hear again with the use of cochlear implants, which was ironic considering she worked with people who use implants. She knew sign language, how to read lips and how the human ear works. It’s all quite serendipitous. Now, she is a leader and an advocate in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community nation-wide. I admire her in so many ways.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Sam (my 15 yo son), Leo (our miniature dachshund) and love.
Q: If you had a full–time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: A housekeeper. Life is so busy. When I get home, I wish I could relax more or set aside more time to work on various projects.
