During his sophomore year at Downers Grove South High School, Jack Sifuentes was thinking about his future and whether he wanted to be a veterinarian or a special education teacher. It was his reading of a classic American novel that made the choice clear.

Nearly 90 years after its publication in 1937, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck lit the path for Sifuentes, an incoming freshman studying special education at Illinois State University.

“It was revolutionary to me and opened my eyes,” Sifuentes said. “This work of art made me see and feel things that I had never before felt. This book helped me pick my career.”

After reading the book, Sifuentes said he knew what he wanted to do. Steinbeck described the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, especially how they are perceived by others.

“I think that this book does an amazing job displaying society’s consistent misunderstandings of people with special needs,” Sifuentes said.

While interning at an elementary school teaching special needs kids in kindergarten through second grade, Sifuentes said that the novel was still making an impact.

“I think about this book almost every single day,” he said at the time. “It’s helping me reflect on myself and the children around me.”

When it came time to decide on a college, Sifuentes said he found many reasons to choose Illinois State. For one, he knew about the school’s reputation for training educators.

“I knew that ISU has an amazing special ed program and that it’s highly respected,” he said. “It was important that I have plenty of opportunities to connect to individuals and begin networking. I loved the curriculum and that it had lots of flexibility and adaptability for the classes I wanted. Finally, the atmosphere when I visited campus was so accepting and friendly.”

Sifuentes, 18, will begin his freshman year as a resident of Manchester Hall. When he gets to campus, he plans to investigate clubs and registered student organizations. A viola player, orchestra is something he plans to check out.

“I have been playing in the orchestra since I was in fourth grade, so for about eight years now,” he said. “I was involved with the orchestra program throughout high school, playing in both the concert and symphonic orchestra.”

In addition, he’s a practitioner of Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art that’s about 2,000 years old. A third-degree black belt, Sifuentes competes in tournaments but said Tang Soo Do is about more than just the sport or competition.

“It focuses on whole-person concepts, building better leaders, practicing self-defense, and sharpening your mind,” he said. “I’ve been active in martial arts since I was 6 years old. I plan on doing some club activity at ISU that involves martial arts.”

Ultimately, his greater focus is on beginning his academic journey and getting started learning.

“I am most excited for my classes and the people that I am going to meet,” he said. “After going to Preview, I have so much energy and excitement going into my freshman year.”

Sifuentes said there was always an expectation in his family, from his parents and grandparents, that he would pursue a college education. He’s grateful for their encouragement and support in this and all his endeavors. His dedication as a student has earned him several scholarship opportunities, the most prestigious of which is the Jesse W. Fell Scholarship.

“I am very grateful for this scholarship because it allows me to be a part of the Honors Program,” he said. “The program is another large factor in my choosing ISU.”

Sifuentes said his career plans include being a special education teacher working with grades kindergarten through second grade. Eventually, he plans to continue his education with the goal of landing an administration position in the future.

As his college career begins, he already has high hopes for his future students.

“I want them to grow, to learn, and to understand that someone cares for them,” he said. “I want to support my students, I want to give them everything that they need, and I will go to great lengths to do it. I am prepared to pour my heart and soul into the classroom.”

 Read about all of the students featured in “Our Newest Redbirds” series at News.IllinoisState.edu.