Graduate Essays
A few ECC graduates to talk about what this achievement means to them
Graduate stories and more
See all of our graduation essays in the Feature Stories section.
Juan Chavez: My story is proof that ECC is a place where people can come and fight for their dreams
We all have different reasons to learn English, to get our GED diploma, but we have in common something great, which is our desire to change our lives and the lives of those around us. I hope that my story inspires and motivates you to keep moving forward and keep fighting for your goals and dreams.
Taryn White: Find the right path and fight to stay on it
Taryn White, student speaker for the Career & Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony, took a risk that paid off big for her future.
Zain Alsalhani: We have been equipped with the necessary tools to be able to overcome anything
Zain Alsalhani reflects on the past year for the 2021 Spring University Transfer commencement ceremony.
Larissa Scott: ECC challenged me to strive for excellence and put my best foot forward
After four years in the Navy, Larissa Scott turned to ECC to help find her path forward.
Ashley Freeman: ECC Let Me Explore My Career Options
At ECC, Ashley Freeman was able to explore here healthcare passions and find the right career path for her.
My Immigrant Story is a Success Thanks to ECC
Shortly after immigrating from Cameroon, Sandra Djou started her ECC journey as an English as a Second Language. Now, she's graduating with her associate degree and heading to her bachelor's.
Linda Kooper: It's never too late and you are never too old to follow your passion
Linda Kooper knows first hand that you're never too old to follow your dreams.
Taylor Vitacco: No place strives for student success like ECC
Dual Credit Graduate Taylor Vitacco reflects on her journey at ECC.
Katherine Castiglione: ECC opened new doors to my future
Being homeschooled through high school, ECC helped Katherine Castiglione smoothly transition to college.
Leslie Miranda: Never underestimate your potential
Spring 2021 Graduate Leslie Miranda reflects on her time at ECC.
Najmu Sahar: ECC is a great place to start
Graduate Najmu Sahar knew she was not ready for a four-year college. She turned to ECC to start her college experience while she figured out her path. Read more about how ECC put her on the right path towards her goals.
Wendy Rivera: At ECC, I finally felt like I belonged
Wendy Rivera never imagined graduating with high honors or going on to pursue a bachelor's degree. Read how ECC shaped her into who she is today.
Robert Phelan: ECC gave me the confidence I needed
Robert Phelan returned to school after seven years to move his education forward. Read more about how ECC helped him develop the confidence to pursue his dreams.
Danielle Lauritzen: ECC let me grow into who I am today
In high school, Danielle Lauritzen was lucky enough to know what she intended to make of her life. At ECC, she was able to grow and come to understand her place in this world through the work she had a passion for - teaching.
Lisbeth Castillo: ECC taught me to embrace challenges at opportunities to grow
Experiencing culture shock and learning English as an immigrant moving from Guatemala at age 14 significantly impacted Lisbeth Castillo's life. Read about her how ECC opened doors to her brighter future.
Ruthie Chae: Pursue your dreams, no matter what
Career and Technical Programs ceremony student speaker Ruthie Chae reflects on her time at ECC.
Kori Stoll: Keep going, because it's worth it in the end
University Transfer Degree Ceremony Speaker Kori Stoll reflects on her time at ECC.
Liam Coleman: ECC is a bright choice for a bright future
I was able to transition from high school to college in a fun, friendly, and engaging environment that allowed me to work towards my associate degree whilst giving me time to figure out and explore what I wanted to do with my life. I cannot recommend ECC enough to prospective students, and can personally attest to ECC being a bright choice for a bright future.