“I wasn’t made to fit in. I was created by God to stand out!” Abi Chagolla, a 2015 Gehlen Catholic graduate.
Many Latinos & Latinas continue to struggle growing up in the United States surrounded by a predominantly English speaking & Caucasian society. Abi never let her race & ethnicity derail her from achieving God’s calling.
Abi’s teachers & moderators inspired her quest for excellence both inside & outside the classroom. Abi was involved in Gehlen Catholic’s choir, band, speech, drama, Christian Leadership Team, volleyball, softball, track & field.
Abi’s most important & fulfilling work was attending, cantoring & serving at St. James Parish (now All Saints Parish) Latino Masses.
Abi has come to a greater understanding the sacrifices her parents made so she could receive a quality faith & academic education at Gehlen Catholic School.
Abi’s mom missed many of her activities as an elementary student during the school day, as Abi’s mom worked days. As Abi was involved in co-curricular activities in junior & senior high school, her father cheered quietly in his heart working nights in Le Mars versus the stands. More than just sacrificing their time & financial resources, Abi comprehends her parents’ unspoken fears of losing her proud Latino culture, traditions, heritage, faith & language. Abi’s parents only wanted her to have the best education & stalwart faith possible.
In December 2019, Abi’s received her Bachelor’s Degree in both Theatre Performance & Communications from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Abi expressed her gratitude to Speech & Drama moderators for the numerous opportunities they provided Abi to prepare her for her post-secondary education & career in the arts & communications.
Abi said, “I believe & trust in God. I take the time to pray &/or just talk to Him. He has helped me get to where I am today.” “Students cannot find their voice, without passionate teachers, a thriving communication, & an ingrained faith. It starts here at Gehlen Catholic School,” Abi adamantly acclaimed.