2024 - Meet Leslie Galvan

Elgin Community College (ECC) student Leslie Galvan of St. Charles, Illinois, immigrated to the US with her two brothers in 2021. “I moved here because I really wanted to expand my knowledge and learn the language,” Galvan said. “I really had a desire to study at a university and pursue my dreams; this was hard for me to do in Mexico.” 

Galvin’s ECC journey began in English as a Second Language (ESL) and pre-algebra courses. She pursued college credit classes after improving her English and basic academic skills. 

“The more classes I took, the more I liked it here on campus,” Galvan said. “After doing more research, I found out there were a lot of activities, events, and programs.”

This past fall, Galvan joined the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as a student worker. Influenced by her former peer and now ECC staff member, Destiny Guevara, she saw this as an opportunity to gain more experience in working with EDI topics to help her in her desired career path – international relations. 

Ever since Galvan was a kid, she’s been interested in the world. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she proudly stated, “A diplomat.” Her dream hasn’t faded as she’s gotten older. 

Galvan also had the opportunity to test her interest in international relations by traveling internationally in the summer of 2023. Alongside fellow ECC, she embarked on a study abroad trip to Italy. 

“We were able to explore many towns close to the sea,” Galvan said. “I loved that, and I really enjoyed my time there. I actually made a friend, too!”

Galvan’s goal is to graduate this semester and transfer to a four-year university. She’s considering Northern Illinois University or DePaul University. Learn more about Galvan! She may soon be on the other side of the world, pursuing her lifelong dream. 

What do you like to do outside of ECC? I work at TJ Maxx in St. Charles during the week, which takes up a lot of my time. On weekends, during the summertime, I really like to go out and ride bikes around Geneva, St. Charles, and North Aurora.

Dogs, cats, or houseplants? Cats! I love cats. I had them when I lived in Mexico. I don’t have any here because I live in an apartment and am gone a lot. I don’t want them to feel sad or lonely because of that.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot is the Jobe Lounge. I like how it is an open space, and students are always around.

Where is one place you dream of traveling and why? I’d love to go to Asia and visit Japan or China. There is so much history! I’ve been spending time with people who are from there; it’s nice to spend time with people from other cultures so you can learn more about them and their traditions.

Shout out to an ECC staff member or peer! Michelle Ramirez, manager of student support services for TRiO, has been really helpful to me. By meeting with me frequently, she’s introduced me to so many resources. She has been there for me a lot.