Dali Rangel: You are stronger than you realize

When I was 15 years old, I started attending Elgin Community College. You might wonder, “How did a 15-year-old enroll in college?” Anything is possible at ECC, thanks to the opportunities available through homeschooling. I was homeschooled and able to finish high school sooner than expected, but I didn’t stop there. I knew I wanted to continue my education and pursue college. Growing up, I wasn’t the type of kid to have many hobbies. I wasn’t athletic or creative, but ever since I was little, I loved going to school and worked hard to earn good grades. Academics were my passion.

When I moved to Elgin, I did some research on nearby colleges and universities and came across ECC. What stood out to me was how affordable the tuition was and how much financial aid they offered. I knew immediately that ECC was the right choice for me. At first, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to major in, but I did know one thing: I wanted to help others. That’s when I discovered the Human Services Generalist program and started in Spring 2023. From the very beginning, I loved what I was learning and felt like I truly fit in with both the program and my peers. Even though I was the youngest in my classes, I never once felt like the odd one out. I was treated just like everyone else, challenged by my instructors, and respected for my hard work. For that, I am forever grateful. As I write this essay, I feel a deep sense of nostalgia. These two years at ECC have flown by, but they were filled with so much growth, joy, and discovery. I learned more about who I am and what I want for my future. I had the chance to work at Testing Services and attend countless events on campus, allowing me to build meaningful connections and gather experiences that I will cherish forever. 

However, the road wasn’t always easy. During my last year at ECC, now at 17 years old, I faced one of the toughest battles of my life, dealing with depression and anxiety. There were many moments when I felt like giving up, when I questioned whether anything I was doing mattered. It’s hard to put into words just how heavy that pain was. But even in those darkest moments, a small part of me held onto hope. I was determined to see it through, and today, standing at the finish line, I am filled with so much pride. I am proud to say I am graduating with my associate degree, and even prouder of the resilience it took to get here.  

To anyone struggling with mental health challenges, please know your hard work is not taken for granted. You are stronger than you know, and every battle you fight will prepare you for the beautiful blessings ahead. Looking forward, I am excited to transfer to Roosevelt University to pursue my bachelor's in psychology. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity ECC gave me, an opportunity not many have at my age, and I hope to inspire others, especially those close to my age, to chase their dreams and never give up.

I want to give a huge thank you to my parents, my biggest supporters. I truly would not be standing here today without your endless love, encouragement, and sacrifices. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. A special thank you to my incredible instructor, Dr. Liddy Hope. You are hands down the coolest, most empathetic, and caring teacher I’ve ever had. Your guidance and support meant the world to me, and the lessons I learned from you will stay with me forever. A huge shout-out to Professor Brian Bohr as well, your communications class helped me step out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. Your class helped heal parts of me that I thought would always stay hidden. Thank you for that gift. Lastly, I want to shout out two amazing classmates: Alondra Montejano and Loreanne Ugochukwu. You both are such kind and uplifting people. I’m so grateful I had the chance to get to know you better; you made the journey even sweeter. Thank you, ECC, for everything. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me always. 

Dali Rangel, '25

Elgin, Illinois

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services-Generalist