Taylor Kenna: My story is proof that at ECC miracles happen every day

In order for you all to understand the true impact ECC has had on me and how it changed my life in a way I didn’t think was possible, I have to give you some backstory first, and we’re going to get right into it: I was 13 years old when I first started experimenting with drugs. At first, I was just a rebellious kid breaking the rules with my friends, but eventually I became dependent on the substance and on the feeling of all my stress and confusion floating away. It was a quick progression from the girl who knew she could do anything and succeed to one who didn’t even think she could pass a college class. Right after high school (in the peak of my addiction) I had the opportunity to go to ISU. Everyone told me over and over again that I have to take it seriously and that I HAVE to go to class. Shocker - I did not take it seriously or go to class. I spent all day, every day hanging out with my friends and getting in trouble. Eventually, after being arrested, failing all of my classes, and fueling my addiction, I got suspended. Surprisingly, for something I actually did not do, but I wasn’t even upset because I knew I probably should have been suspended long before that. I came back home to my parents and spiraled out of control for a couple more years- in and out of rehab, sober living, NA, anything that could work. I tried and failed many times because I was only doing any of it due to the consequences that I experienced, and not because I genuinely wanted to get sober. I finally got to a point where I had gone through enough unmanageability and trauma that it clicked. I wanted to be who I was again, and I was going to get there. 

Once I had maybe 6 months clean, I started taking classes at ECC. I have loved school and learning my whole life, and it was always easy to me if I tried, but while I was in my addiction, I didn’t believe in myself, and my life was too unmanageable to even think college was a possibility. ECC had the power to make or break me at that point, and you probably know which happened by me even standing here today. 

My first semester I had 2 classes with Dr. Rosenfeld and 1 class with Dr. Hope and I had no idea at the time how influential and impactful both those people would be on my journey. They helped me find myself again- flourished my love for learning, encouraged me to find and fulfill my passion, and put me in the best possible position to succeed. 5 years ago, I could have never imagined having anywhere near the number of opportunities, knowledge, and support that I do today thanks to Dr. Rosenfeld and Dr. Hope. It is truly amazing the impact they have had on so many students, but it is not a surprise to anyone. To be heard, supported, respected, and challenged by my professors was something I needed and will be forever grateful for, and I know there are so many other students that feel that way. The scope of people they have encouraged and affected is immeasurable. Even having the confidence and opportunity to be up here talking to you all is a direct result of their support of me and I hope they know how much they truly changed my life and put me in a position to change other lives. I’ve been a SU counselor for around 2 years, and I just finished my CADC (certified drug and alcohol counseling certification). It has been the most fulfilling, but also one of the most challenging, experiences I have had in my life. To help other people not only keeps me sober but has also helped me to realize that I didn’t go through all of that for no reason. I was miserable and suffering for a really long time, but I had to in order to be able to help people in the way that I do now. I can’t even explain how much it means to me to be able to provide people with a space where they feel heard and safe and to motivate them to see the potential and strengths in themselves that I see in them. The privilege to be a counselor is one that I do not take lightly and fills me with gratitude every day. Each life that I have the fortune of affecting in any way means the entire world to me. I wanted to give up so many times but the accomplishment I feel standing here today makes me realize it was all well worth it. A smart man once quoted probably another smart man and said, “Don’t give up before the miracle happens,” and my story is proof that at ECC miracles happen every day. 

Taylor Kenna, '25

Elgin, Illinois

Associate of Applied Science-Human Services