SAGINAW, Mich. — Early this year, Estrelle Hackos finished her studies at Eastern Michigan University and headed up the highway for her first career job at First Ward Community Center, as youth programs coordinator.
This would seem like enough of a full load for a young person finding her feet in a new role, in a new hometown.
Still, Hackos is donating volunteer time as teacher of a weekly children’s art class at the Mexican American Council, 1537 South Washington.
Gatherings are free of charge from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
On a recent evening, the MAC Center was like a one-room schoolhouse as Estelle guided a dozen youngsters, preschool through middle school ages. First they made paper airplanes and took part in a contest to see which would fly the farthest. Next she handed out small canvas squares and water colors with step-by-step tasks to create owls perched on tree limbs.
She seemed like an experienced school teacher as she was unfazed by some rambunctious behavior, including a 7-year-old who ran a few “laps” around the work table.
“This is art class,” was her gentle rebuke. “Gym class will be another time.”
And the young man finished his owl along with all the rest, thrilled to see the end product from his efforts.
Estelle grew up in a Denver exurb, Broomfield. She notes that her mom was a teacher, which has influenced her choice to work with children and to feel confident in her abilities, which were enhanced by her co-captain’s role on the EMU Forensic Team, a perennial national power. Her social consciousness also was tapped during her years in Ypsilanti, where she attained leadership in the student Senate and protested “Title 42” migrant crackdowns that started during Donald Trump’s first term and continued for two years under Joe Biden.
She majored in political science, graduating magna cum laude, and minored in economics. She also was a standout soccer athlete in high school, which was only natural because two sisters were good enough to compete on major college Division I squads
She could have made more money if she had stuck to her original plan for a business career, but that doesn’t matter.
“I’m always trying to add something to my classes,” she notes.
