Thriving Through Change

For Antuane Thompson, ’20, thriving through radical change has been a staple theme of his life, both at Valparaiso University and beyond. From attending a new school in an environment radically different from what he grew up in to entering the workforce at the onset of a historic global pandemic, Thompson has learned to adapt, keep moving forward, and make the most of his experiences.

Graduating high school, Thompson had numerous options for his higher education plans. Thanks to his participation in a college degree path program during high school, he was accepted to multiple universities. However, his next step was solidified by a visit to Valparaiso University.

“I kind of just fell in love with Valpo and the culture. I knew it was the school for me,” Thompson says. “It was a smaller school, so I knew I could build relationships with my professors and get that one-on-one experience. Valpo also allowed me to explore my degree options before choosing something.”

Though he was immediately enthusiastic about attending Valparaiso University, the move represented a major change in Thompson’s life. As a native of Chicago, the shift from a major Illinois city to a comparatively small Indiana town was significant. Valpo offered many opportunities for Thompson to immerse himself in his new environment, explore new interests, and build a vast array of new relationships. Despite the radical shift in his life, Thompson made the most of these opportunities.

Ultimately deciding on a major in electrical engineering and a minor in fundamentals of business, Thompson gained a unique perspective from two different campus colleges. He became a resident advisor in his dorm and an employee at the University’s IT help desk at the Christopher Center Library—two positions that involved meeting many new people on campus and working through various problems. Outside of his classes and jobs, Thompson was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, a group he still participates in today.

“I had a lot of fun and met so many great people with different viewpoints,” Thompson said.

In May of 2020, after four years of intensive academic programs and heavy involvement in extracurricular activities, Thompson was ready to step off campus and turn the page to a new chapter of his life. The world, however, had another drastic shift in store almost immediately after Thompson received his diploma.

“I graduated right at the peak of the pandemic,” Thompson says. “When I first got to Indianapolis, it was shut down. I had never been to the city, so that was an interesting time.”

Despite the unique situation he faced, Thompson was ready to make the most of his circumstances. While much of the country was stuck at home due to lockdowns, his role as a frontline automation engineer for Eli Lilly required him to be on-site daily. He believes this arrangement was instrumental in adjusting to his new profession.

“I was able to get hands-on experience with the equipment I was working on as well as see how a cross-functional process team works right away,” Thompson says.

Even before officially starting at Eli Lilly, he had begun to build a new network of relationships with his fellow new hires, whom he met prior to accepting the job offer. Many of his new colleagues ended up renting in the same apartment building. Outside of his activities and connections through work, Thompson has been actively volunteering in the surrounding community and plans to expand his efforts in the future.

“I volunteer on Saturday mornings working with 6th through 12th grade kids on STEM projects,” Thompson says. “One of my lifelong goals is to start an organization of my own that does something similar. I want to bring a program like this back to my community in Chicago. I was fortunate that my mother encouraged me to try new things and expand my knowledge. I noticed a gap in the community, and I’d like to help bring STEM opportunities and experiences to underserved and minority communities.”

Thompson has had several influential people in his life who have encouraged him to continue striving and following his dreams. He credits his mother as his superhero.

“My mother raised two boys on her own and later my two younger siblings,” he says. “To be that strong and to sacrifice herself for us, I see all of that love and commitment, and it’s something I can never repay her for. I am thankful for her every day.”

Thompson credits his experiences at Valpo with preparing him for his career and life beyond school. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has receded from the forefront of general consciousness, drastic change could always be in the future for both current students at Valpo and alumni around the world. Thompson, however, encourages everyone to keep moving forward.

“My advice would be to not let tough times and difficult situations deter you from your dreams and goals in life,” Thompson says. “Stay true to yourself and don’t lose sight of the goal, whatever that may be.”