ECC alum reaches New (Haven) heights

Gabriel Cabrera Ruiz, ’21, is living where he once never dreamed he would: New Haven, Connecticut. Ruiz found himself amongst the picturesque campus of Yale University, where he began his first semester in the fall of 2024 as an environmental studies graduate student.

Cabrera Ruiz doesn’t consider his journey to the Ivy League the typical path, but every decision and connection laid the foundation.  

“ECC really helped me bridge the gap to higher education because it was affordable,” he said.

“When I came to Yale, I had to constantly remind myself that I earned my place here and that I was offering a different perspective that others might not have encountered before. I came completely detached from wealth and privilege.”

When he attended Elgin Community College (ECC), he thought he would take classes and transfer. However, after becoming involved in the student-life community and joining the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), he began to form life-changing connections.

“ECC helped me find the people that inspired and empowered me,” Cabrera Ruiz said.

He became treasurer of OLAS and would help lead events.

“Gabriel was such a positive energy in OLAS and was very passionate about spreading awareness and advocating for the Latinx community,” said Gaea Atta Moy, student life coordinator and OLAS advisor. 

Through OLAS, he felt empowered to embrace his status as a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) student. A peer inspired him to share and spread information about undocumented students on campus.

“She was open about her status and unapologetic about it,” Cabrera Ruiz said. “That really inspired me.”

Cabrera Ruiz graduated from ECC in 2021 and transferred to Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he completed his bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

“ECC made me resourceful, and I took that to NIU,” Cabrera Ruiz said. “That’s where I met my mentor, Dr. Holly Jones. She pushed me to believe in myself, to want more, and not just settle on opportunities.”

Cabrera Ruiz formed a strong relationship with Jones, who, like him, was also a first-generation college student. She motivated him to aim high.

This led to his acceptance at Yale University and selection as one of 25 Cairns Scholars, a program that supports emerging environmental leaders.  

“I was afraid at the time, but I began networking and mingling, and I found people who helped me, like at ECC and NIU,” he said. 

Cabrera Ruiz recently accepted a research assistant position in Yale’s geospatial analysis lab, allowing him to work in an area related to his field. 

“It’s a very exciting opportunity,” Cabrera Ruiz said. “Last semester, chances like these were harder to get because I was working 40 hours a week outside of Yale. I’ve been working and going to school since ECC to pay for rent and groceries. These opportunities are more valuable than being a barista because I can learn and network more.”

As Cabrera Ruiz embraces new opportunities, he’ll never forget the key things that got him here: staying positive, avoiding comparisons, and finding a strong mentor.

His advice? “Never lose your spark [because] when that happens, you give up.” 

Read the entire spring 2025 issue of Impact Magazine online here.