ECC Alumna Grabs Chance at Fulfilling Education Goals

Elgin Community College (ECC) alum Maritza Garcia wanted a second chance at school when she came to ECC. She wanted to earn her GED because she had missed out on graduating from high school, she said. 

Adult Education Transitions Coordinator Elena Gardea helped Garcia start all her classes and gave her the confidence to continue her education, Garcia said. 

“For lack of a better word, she’s a big character in my story through all of this,” Garcia said. “I remember being so scared and not knowing what to expect. She really helped me out.”

Garcia started GED classes with ECC in 2020 and received her GED in 2022. She said that after obtaining her GED, she felt more positive about moving forward in her education journey. She received her Associate of Arts degree in 2024.

During her time at ECC, she enjoyed her time in biology with Professor II of Biology, Frederick Vogt. Garcia said that Vogt really helped her gain more knowledge. 

“I remember going to his office hours, and I would say it reignited my confidence in school because when I was in high school, I always got really good grades,” she said. “He gave me a lot of positive tips for my note-taking.”

Garcia credits those tips with helping her earn a good grade in Vogt’s class, and she was able to apply that notetaking knowledge to her other classes. She was also involved in campus activities, serving as the vice president of the Strength and Wellness Club. 

The group would have private meetings where they would discuss how to stay active that week, even if it was just playing a simple kickball game within the group, she said. The club also talked about mental health at meetings. Garcia remembers taking part in a kickball tournament that included her club and other clubs participating. 

She is now focusing on her bachelor's degree in business administration through the University of Massachusetts online program. She recently started classes in October 2025. 

She currently works at Ulta and has some management experience under her belt, which she has enjoyed, she said. Garcia is more interested in operations management right now.

Looking back at her experience at ECC, she’s grateful for the support she received from professors.

“When it came to my GED and even my associates, all the professors genuinely cared to see us be successful,” Garcia said. “When I was doubting myself, I felt like my professors were always really good at keeping us motivated and letting us know that we're doing good. I had a super positive experience on campus for both programs. I’m just really happy that’s the route I took.”