by Santos Baez ’25

The new school year is upon us, and while we are happy to see some old faces, there’s also plenty of new faces around as well. One of those new faces is our new guidance counselor Ms.Mahammad.

What made you want to come to St.Francis?

I was initially driven by the culture of the school, and after meeting with Principal Facen, I felt like this would be the best environment to feel like a home, because I was looking for a place that had that community feeling.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Harvey, I lived in the city for a little bit, moved to Texas for 4 years, and then moved back up here.

What are your experiences from Texas? Do they differ from here in Chicago?

I was 6 at the time, and I really didn’t really enjoy the move to Texas because I was very family oriented, it was me,my mom, my dad, and my brothers and we were by ourselves in Texas. I didn’t make friends, I spent 4 years by myself or with my siblings. Overall I’ve had a better experience here in Chicago.

Can you tell us more about yourself?

I am 23, I am a graduate of Government State University. Originally I wanted to get into Occupational Therapy and be more pediatric based, or work with athletes. I changed my mind when I worked as an RBT, and after working with children and seeing how it affects them their growth and development, it made me want to work with all children. After I graduated I figured out I wanted to be a counselor because I feel strongly about education as well as helping people, so student counseling would be a great way to do both. My favorite food is tacos and pot roast. Favorite ice cream is Cookies and Cream, but I love the Strawberry Shortcake. Favorite shows are Grey’s Anatomy and Law & Order SVU. My favorite flower is Bluebonnets, which is the flower of Texas.

What hobbies are you interested in? 

I love to cook! I like being in the kitchen. I also like reading and I do a little bit of writing. I like going to the gym, and I love bowling! I love basketball and watching it, and recently I got into baseball, go Cubs! A sport that has my heart though is Track and Field, and I dreamed of being in the Olympics.

What do you like to listen to music wise?

Beyonceeeeeeeeee!!! I love Beyonce! I like Kanye West, J.Cole is actually the first concert I ever went to, and I listen to Young Thug. I love RNB and my favorite rap group would be the Migos

What are your thoughts on the sports here?

I can’t wait to start coming to games and being supportive! I’m gonna try to make it to every game and support us, especially if you dont have family or friends to come to the games, i’ll be there to support the players.

What are your thoughts on the school now?

I’m impressed, because every school says “oh our students and faculty members are great!” but it was nice to come in and really feel like the students are great, and the faculty are great, and it was really hard to find that, but I really do think the school is great. It feels nice not having to think about “Man, what student is going to stress me out today?” I love it here!