Araceli Hurtado
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
What were you doing before Westwood?
I was working in the restaurant industry as an office manager.
What was your favorite thing about Westwood?
Westwood worked for me because I was able to keep my full-time job and attend school full time. I learned first-hand from instructors who already worked in the field of criminal justice.
How did you overcome any challenges you faced as a student?
One of my challenges was in 2007 when I caught a virus in the seventh cranial nerve in my brain that causes Bell’s Palsy. With the support of three special instructors, I was able to overcome the embarrassment of the droopy left side of my face. It’s proof that I can overcome anything with support.
What's one piece of advice you would give to new students?
Build relationships with your instructors while keeping good relationships and close friendships. Networking was the key to my success at Westwood.
What are you doing today?
I was showcased in a February 2010 article in The New York Times for outstanding work in the community with a privately funded violence prevention agency in Little Village.
