At CICS West Belden, we believe that all of our alumni are truly Distinctive. In this season of giving back, we are celebrating alumni Zenobia Ellis, who is studying to become a teacher—inspired by her time at CICS West Belden!
Zenobia started her educational journey at CICS West Belden in Kindergarten, graduating 8th grade in 2018. During her time at the school, Zenobia’s path was shaped by a community of educators who saw her potential and never stopped believing in her. “I was a hard, troubled student with a lot of energy and focus issues,” Zenobia reflects. “The educator who helped me the most was [Restorative Justice Counselor] Jerry Taylor. He always saw something in me even from Kindergarten, and was the first person to pick me up if I got in trouble as well as the first person to greet me in the morning—he helped me feel like he wanted me to learn and to be better.”
CICS West Belden’s innovative approach to education helped Zenobia to flourish. Programs like Books for Breakfast and Career Day opened doors to opportunities beyond the classroom, giving her a broader perspective on what was possible. “Some students come from families that aren’t always there to show them how to do something,” Zenobia shared. “My school created spaces for kids like me to explore the world outside of what they know at home.”
Now a third-year Early Childhood Education (ECE) major, Zenobia is channeling the lessons learned at CICS West Belden into her own teaching journey. As part of her educator preparation, she returned to the school to assist in Kindergarten, gaining first hand experience in nurturing young learners. “It’s amazing to see how young minds light up when they’re learning,” Zenobia says. “Coming back to CICS West Belden felt like coming full circle—it’s where I first realized I wanted to be a teacher!”
Zenobia credits CICS West Belden with instilling leadership, collaboration, and a passion for education that continues to guide her today. Her advice for current students is simple, yet profound, “Never be afraid to try. If a teacher pushes you to work harder or gives you an opportunity, take it! Life at school is full of possibilities—it’s up to you to make the most of it.”
Her educational journey, deeply rooted in the values and community of CICS West Belden, serves as a testament to the lasting impact of a supportive and inspiring school environment. We’re so proud of the person you’ve become, Zenobia, and cannot wait to see what you do next!
