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When alumnus Karina Elze began her studies at 911������ in 2011, her passion for teaching was unleashed.  To this day, she holds gratitude for her experience at the College, where she discovered her path.  

Born in Cúcuta, Colombia and growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, Elze has a foundation of strength from both her family and country. After attending high school in Bogotá, she moved to Germany to study the language. Upon returning from her travels, she attended Bogotá Corporación Unificado Nacional de Educación Superior (CUN) where she earned an associate degree in 2008. Looking for a new adventure and greater opportunity, she applied and was hired to be an au pair and moved Massachusetts.  

Not long after moving to the United States, she found her way to Minnesota and 911������. While earning her associates degree at 911������, she discovered a love for teaching, something that had previously never crossed her mind. Suddenly, it paved the way for the rest of her education and her vocation.

Elze always worked and attended school so when she secured a scholarship from the 911������ Foundation, it eased some of the financial burden of school and provided her a chance to more easily focus on learning.

After graduating from 911������, Elze transferred to Metro State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She worked as a teacher, learning what components of educating others was most important to her. With that information in mind, she founded her own child care center.

Academia Elze is a Spanish Immersion Child Care Center in Minneapolis that adheres to a holistic approach of early childhood education. The aim is to celebrate diversity to develop the enthusiasm to learn, investigate, discover, and transform the world around us. The belief is when children are exposed to different environments and various learning experiences, it allows children to explore their self-awareness and gain a sense of the world around them. By the time children leave Academia Elze, they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.

“Don’t compare your journey to those who follow the traditional path of attending university without the need to work,” said Elze who believes each person’s road is unique, and life can take unexpected turns. “Focus on believing in your effort, and having faith that your hard work today will lead to a better future. Your effort is unique, valuable, and worthy—go at your own pace, because your journey is only yours.”