Meet Abby Schaber of Carpentersville

Elgin Community College student, Abby Schaber, of Carpentersville, Ill., encountered an artist in her childhood and was gifted something that may have been the beginning of an art-filled life. “I saw this painting when I was very young and commented on it. The artist was right there and gave it to me. I feel like that just started it all — she really inspired me.”  

While attending Galena High School, Schaber took introductory graphic design courses through a vocational program. After graduating from high school, she began her studies as a marketing major at ECC in the summer of 2023. “I quickly learned that was more of the microeconomic and math side of marketing. I changed my major to graphic design. I wanted to be on the design side of things.” 

Schaber chose ECC for the cost and decided to stay and finish her degree here despite an opportunity to transfer to a university. “The students and professors are so great here, I said to myself, ‘I can’t leave now!’” In addition to being affordable, the availability of the instructors is invaluable. “You get so much one-on-one support at ECC; professors’ office hours are so accessible.” You can find Schaber working for the Office of Student Life or serving as the marketing and promotional officer of the Art and Design Club. 

Read more to learn a few fun things about this lifelong artist!  

What is one thing you do outside of ECC? I love playing video games, Marvel Rivals. I used to play League of Legends. I don’t play so much, but now I watch streamers play, it's like I am playing by watching them. I also love anime. 

What is one thing that really makes your day? When I was unemployed for a month before I started working here, I realized that when I came back and started working, it really lifted me, and I felt like I am doing something. I would apply for jobs, but you are spending the rest of your day not knowing what to do. I love the direction I get when I am here—and seeing and talking to my friends! 

What is your favorite meal to make or eat out? I call it Cajun, although I'm not sure how authentic it actually is, but it's typically served as Cajun shrimp or Cajun shrimp pasta. If you make just the shrimp and put it in tacos with some coleslaw from Jewel, it is so fire. 

What is your favorite place on campus? Student Life or Building H. Not many people know how to access the third floor of Building H, making it a very peaceful area. However, if you prefer to be around people, Student Life is a good option. 

What is your favorite thing about ECC? My favorite thing is how much students, staff, and the faculty actually care. Something I've noticed, especially with helping with Project Backpack, is the amount of effort people are putting in for those who need help. It isn’t just a backpack; they really help people realize what is available to them. Spartan Pantry, TRiO, they are so important and not a lot of students know about it.