Meet Me Monday: Gio Tonielli

Elgin Community College dual credit student, Gio Tonielli, chose to get involved while in school. Currently in his junior year at Bartlett High School, he is involved in mock trial, the National English Honor Society, and serves as a peer leader. At ECC, he serves as the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society secretary and volunteers at the Spartan Pantry. 

Being dual credit aligned with Tonielli, who was looking for the sense of independence that wasn’t offered at his high school. “High school has been fine, but it just didn’t work out how I expected. I am really enjoying the lecture classes I am taking now at ECC,” Tonielli said.  

“I had a few friends here, and they all spoke so highly of the school. I can go for free as a dual-credit student, get my gen eds done, plus all the resources ECC offers.”  

Getting his associate in arts, Tonielli hopes to transfer to a four-year university with a flight program. He currently has his sights set at the University of North Dakota or Purdue. “I want to be a commercial pilot, so I am looking at schools with great programs,” Tonielli said. 

Read more about Gio below!  

What is something you do outside of ECC? With the limited amount of free time I have, I do like to play video games. I play a little bit of everything. 

What is your favorite meal to cook or eat out? I have never made it, but my mom does. She makes a great chicken parmigiana. I will order it anytime it is on the menu. 

What is your favorite spot on campus? I would say Building A for the natural light or Building E’s study areas. It is really quiet over there. 

What surprised you most about ECC? Coming into ECC, I wasn’t aware of how good ECC is. Compared to other community colleges, we are a pretty big school, and ECC offers a lot. It feels like an actual university. It is more than I was expecting. 

Would you like to give a shout out to any ECC staff, faculty, or peer? The quality of instructors is so great. The professors here are amazing. Professor Vogt, I took his biology class my first semester. He is a great teacher; he made sure everyone was included. Professor Scherger, she is my calculus professor. She is super caring; you can tell she is really experienced. They are both amazing professors.  

What advice do you have for new students? Get involved, it makes things so much better. You will meet so many good people. Take advantage of the resources ECC offers too!