Meet Me Monday: Laura Ciaccio

Elgin Community College student Laura Ciaccio is no stranger to reinventing herself. She began her career teaching and running an early childhood program. A few years later, she discovered an interest in wellness, which led her to become a personal trainer and coach–a role she held for eight years.   “My company was bought out, and my income dropped significantly, so I knew I had to do something for my future,” Ciaccio said. 

Now at ECC studying radiology, she looks forward to the future. “Radiology is a growing field. It has so much to do with the body, I am intrigued by it,” she said. 

Returning to school hasn’t always been easy for Ciaccio. In addition to being a wife and mother, she received an adult diagnosis of ADHD. She knew how much more effort school would require. After many recommendations from family and friends, she enrolled at ECC and was immediately impressed by the services and options it offers. “There are so many options when enrolling! Everyone wants you to be successful. There is a plethora of resources, which has been amazing for a student like me,” said Ciaccio. 

Read more about Laura below!  

What is one thing you do outside of ECC? I love doing anything active or being outside. I also love watching movies and live music.  

What is one of your study hacks or habits? I write everything down on notecards. 

What is one thing that really makes your day? Compliments go a long way! Simple things like my bed being made or someone opening the door for me too. 

What is your favorite thing about ECC? How much support there is and how successful they want you to be. The professors are so great. When I reach out and ask for help, they have all been willing to work with me. It is hard to admit that you need help or are struggling, but they all want you to be successful. There are so many tools, programs, and areas you can go to for help. 

Would you like to give a shout-out to an ECC staff, faculty, or peer? Dana Kurpius. He really helped me. I tried to quit his class! I reached out to him and told him I was trying so hard. He was so supportive, he said, “You can do this, I know you can!”