2024 - Meet Erek Marcello

When Elgin Community College (ECC) student Erek Marcello graduated high school, he took a year off, not totally sure what he wanted to do next. Still unsure, he looked at ECC for answers.

“I chose ECC because it seemed like a very approachable place and a great start for people who are unsure like I was,” Marcello said.

Marcello began at ECC in 2020, beginning online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Starting when I did wasn’t ideal, but as the semesters progressed, it got better for me,” Marcello said. “I learned some lessons and started getting involved.”

Marcello got involved through the student club Gamers United. Seeing the table full of board games, video games, and magic attracted him to the group immediately. Later, he also joined the Anime club.

While attending ECC, Marcello began pursuing a general associate’s degree, which, he said, allowed him to explore and find what he really wanted to major in—Computer Information Systems.

“I like playing around with technology and see what I can do with it,” Marcello said. “The Associate of Applied Science – Computer Information Systems degree seemed like a great fit for me. Taking my gen ed courses really helped me figure out what I wanted to do before I entered the more specialized degree.”

It’s an exciting time for Marcello – he’s preparing to walk the commencement stage this December! Learn more about this future graduate below.

What’s one thing you do outside of ECC? I play my fair share of video games. That’s probably another reason why I joined Gamers United.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? That has changed so many times over the years! At one point I know I wanted to be a teacher. I’m still considering it as a minor. I was also interested in software engineering, too, because of the problem-solving aspect. I like making my brain work. I also have been interested in hardware repair; looking at a computer and trying to figure out the problem and fix it up for a customer would be cool.

Where’s your favorite spot on campus? The Lakeside Lounge is great because the view is pretty serene. It’s a nice place to study.

What’s one thing that really makes your day? Talking to people who I love the most and spread my positivity to everyone that I meet.

Where’s one place you dream of traveling? Europe has always been on my bucket list.