2024 - Loreanne Ugochukwu: Don’t let anyone make you believe you can’t

I attended cosmetology school right after I graduated from high school in 1995. I had been obsessed with hair my whole life and felt destined to own a salon, teach others how to do it, and get better at it while staying on top of the trends. I got my teacher's license and taught for a little while, but ended up in a high-end salon in Oak Park, Ill., for about 10 years before marrying my high school sweetheart. We started having kids, and motherhood took over in a big way. I have always wanted a family and to be a stay-at-home mom, so my full-time days in the salon took a back seat, and I was grateful my profession allowed me to work part-time and stay at home with my kids.

I had gotten to the point where I knew how to do hair well, but I lacked the passion. It started to feel like that was not the only thing I was meant to do for the rest of my life, but I didn’t know what the next thing was, and with four young kids, I couldn’t see when and how to make it happen.

I remember driving past Elgin Community College a few times over the years and thought, “Wow, such beautiful grounds.” It didn’t look anything like I had envisioned a community college to look like. I got the nudge to go back to school after hearing an ad on the radio that talked about obtaining a degree in two years would allow you to work with children in foster care.

After mentioning it to a friend, she mentioned how it is a tough profession and not handsomely compensated. I thought, “Well, she’s probably right. Why would I want to do that?” I didn’t shut it down, but I certainly shelved it. My friend did not have bad intentions but looked out for me in her own way; however, because she played quite a significant role in my life at that time, instead of finding out for myself, I allowed her words to decide for me. It took me seven years after that to go for it.

The pandemic was a tough time for so many of us, but it was also a time of clarity and to gain a clear perspective of the next steps that I wanted to take in my life. It didn’t make sense for me to start school now, but I thought, “Is it ever?” My mom had just moved in with me and my family of six, and very quickly, I realized that she had inherited what my grandmother had suffered from so many years ago: dementia.

Despite that, I was determined to start school. It was something that I had to do for myself with no further delay. I signed up for two classes online in the fall of 2021. I didn’t know what to expect, but connecting with an ECC Advisor was a game-changer.

Tracy guided me through picking classes, and from our conversations throughout that first semester, he thought I should try a human services class. That spring semester really cemented my path and journey at ECC.

My first class with Dr. Liddy Hope was just awesome. All my human services classes have been brilliant, but that first one was solidifying. I had found my place and my people. I had a true sense that this was where I was meant to be and what I was meant to be doing. I never imagined I would see my name on a Dean’s List or President’s List, or invited into the Honors program.

I am not sure Dr. Hope knows how much of a beautiful and positive impact she had on me. I have learned so much from her and will take it everywhere as I forge ahead to use my skills in the community.

ECC welcomed, supported, and encouraged me in ways I am forever grateful for. I never thought I would go back to school in my forties and succeed, but here I am. Never say never, live your dreams, don’t let anyone make you believe you can’t, and don’t give up.

Loreanne Ugochukwu ‘24

Associate of Applied Science – Human Services Generalist

Pingree Grove, Ill.

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