Gianna Daufenbach: ECC is more than a school

When I first started at Elgin Community College as a dual credit student, I thought I had my future all figured out. I was studying nursing, determined to follow a path that felt safe and familiar. But what I didn’t realize then was that ECC would not only give me an education, but it would completely reshape the way I saw myself and my future. 

At first, everything was about completing requirements and staying on track. I worked hard in my classes, but something inside me felt unsettled. I began to realize that while I respected the field, my true passion lay elsewhere. ECC gave me the freedom and support to explore other options without judgment. Through different classes, conversations with professors, support through the ECC Foundation, and opportunities to lead, I started to see that my interests, skills, and heart were pulling me in a different direction. 

One of the biggest turning points in my journey was getting involved in Phi Theta Kappa. At first, joining the honors society felt intimidating, but with encouragement from mentors and peers, I took a leap of faith. I am now coming to the end of my term as president of our chapter, an experience that completely changed the way I view myself. Leading PTK taught me that I have a voice, that I can inspire others, and that leadership isn't about being perfect but more about being real, committed, and passionate. 

Elgin Community College has been so much more than just a school to me; it has been the place where I discovered my own strength. I entered ECC thinking I knew exactly who I was, but I’m leaving with a much deeper understanding of my passions, my capabilities, and my purpose. Thanks to the experiences and people at ECC, I now step forward with confidence, and I am so proud of who I am and excited for what’s next. 

Gianna Daufenbach, '25

Gilberts, Illinois  

Associate in Science