Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates or iJAG is a nonprofit organization that focuses on connecting students to educational and post-secondary opportunities. At West, iJAG is offered as a year-long course where students get to meet business professionals and are offered educational opportunities like college visits. 

Motivational speaker, Antonio Grate came in to talk to iJAG students Oct. 22. Grate started by streaming the video, ‘Catching Kayla,’ and encouraged students to think about perseverance and resilience. Additionally, he talked about his upbringing in South Chicago and how that shaped his journey.

“Despite the pain you are feeling, I want you to know that you can get back up and continue to run this race called life,” Grate said.