Meet Stephanie Salgado

Elgin Community College student Stephanie Salgado, of Elgin, Ill., enrolled as a dual credit student with a nudge from her parents. “I took the chance, and I really enjoy it here,” she said. “I love it way more than high school, and I feel like I have gotten a head start since I now know what college is like.”  

Salgado’s experience at ECC is drastically different from that of Larkin High School. She didn’t get involved until coming here. “I’ve made lots of friends,” she said.  

Salgado plans to graduate this spring with an associate in arts degree. She has big plans, and her fingers are crossed that she gets into the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC). “I want to major in linguistics. I am fluent in English and Spanish and have been taking Chinese for four years,” she said, smiling. I want to be a translator for athletes or celebrities, like right next to them when they are being interviewed.” 

Find out more about this multilingual student below!  

Share one thing you do outside of ECC. 

I am not very good at it, but I have liked playing my electric guitar for almost five years. I have been looking for a band or something else to do with it.  

What did you want to be growing up? 

I wanted to be a flight attendant, and my mom said no. I love being in a plane!  

What is one thing that really makes your day? 

When there is free food being offered somewhere! Or when class gets canceled. You get that email, and it is just like, YES. 

What is your favorite spot on campus? 

The study rooms or Student Life office. 

Where is one place you dream of traveling to and why? 

For my grad trip, I wanted to go to Japan or Brazil. I settled for something else, but I still want to go. I'm excited about our Caribbean cruise, though. That is what is keeping me motivated right now.