Graduate Essays
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A few ECC graduates share what this achievement means to them
Graduate stories and more
We've asked a few ECC graduates to talk about what this achievement means to them.
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Tracie Hogel: I was excited about this new path
My journey at Elgin Community College (ECC) started when I enrolled in the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) program. I was working for a local mental health agency, and one of my job requirements upon being hired was to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist in the state of Illinois.
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Percy Schulz: I feel connected to the community here
I started at Elgin Community College (ECC) right after I graduated high school in the fall of 2021. Over the last three years, I’ve been very involved with the campus. My biggest commitment to ECC was working in the Writers Center.
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Miriam Salas: All of this was a push to keep striving at ECC
As an undocumented student, it is hard for me to share my story because I am vulnerable. However, I believe that sharing my story will help other students be brave enough not to let their status define them and reach their full academic potential.
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Alejandro Ornelas Jr. (Lexi): ECC is a tight-knit community that helps each other
If I could go back and tell myself that my 2024 year would be one of constant hustle, I would not believe it. This year alone has taught me so much about how much I can do when I put the time and effort into accomplishing a goal or dream.
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Melia Delaney: It was ECC that helped me make that difference
Let's give another round of applause for our graduates here today! All that work and effort to bring each one of us here. It's the work of these 200-plus students that fills this space, with so many more watching online right now.
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Alexander Greiff: Never forget what you have accomplished here
The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey. Truer words were never spoken. My journey here at ECC has been nothing short of remarkable.
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Kimberly Carreto-Duran: I decided I wouldn't let my fear bring me down
During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to join the Dual Credit Program at Elgin Community College. At first, I was very doubtful about it. I didn't know if I was capable enough to take on this challenge and if it was going to be good for my mental health.
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Julian Juarez: I have found purpose and meaning in my life and future
My time at Elgin Community College has been nothing short of an enlightening experience and the beauty of graphic design. I have been supported by encouraging professors, talented classmates, and kind friends throughout my three years.
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Fitz Ramirez: I have learned and accomplished much more than I thought I ever would
When I first graduated high school, I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue. So, when I enrolled at Elgin Community College, I went for an Associate in Arts degree to get my general education courses out of the way and explore different fields to discover the career I am passionate about.
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Fatima Ahmed: Every opportunity I discovered, I attempted to take advantage of
I didn’t expect much of ECC, especially since I had heard little about it. However, in an effort to act alongside my mindset of ‘new school, new me,’ I entered excited yet neutral with the simple goal of having better experiences than my past two years. ECC began to exceed my expectations quickly.
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Elizabeth Del Rio: Do not be afraid to put yourself out there
I am a first-generation college student; both my parents are Mexican immigrants. They wanted me to have better opportunities than they did, and thanks to their sacrifice and daily motivation, I am now the first in my family to graduate college.
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Diana Ayala: I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone
My time at Elgin Community College has been a journey of self-discovery. Right after school, I felt lost in what career path to follow. I decided to attend a community college to explore my options and transfer to a four-year college because I ultimately knew I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
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Chuck Snoad: At ECC, I recognize the values that brought me to the mental health field
I have lived experience with mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety. In the spring of 2022, I heard about the Recovery Support Specialist program at Elgin Community College while attending a National Alliance on Mental Illness support group. Open to sharing my recovery story to help others heal—the core component of working as a recovery support specialist—I applied online and was accepted within a week.
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Christopher Ferrusca Nava: It’s not always about how you start; it's how you finish
On March 20, 2022, I was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, culminating almost four years of active duty service. Many people have asked me why I chose to join the military, particularly at 18. The truth is, at that time, I didn't have a clear direction for my life after high school.
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Arielle Gonzalez-Guerra: I’ve never been prouder to be a student at ECC
I knew I wanted to do something to help survivors of abuse, and I knew that a degree might open doors. In my first semester, I took an English course. It was through that class that I discovered my love for writing.
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April Ramangkoun: The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one, be one
In 2010, fresh out of high school at the age of 18, I enlisted in the United States Army as a combat medic. During my service, I experienced many things that forced me to ‘grow up’ faster than the average person my age. I spent my 21st birthday celebrating with Welch’s grape juice while deployed in Afghanistan.
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Adrian Nevarez: ECC provides such a great opportunity
Every day here mostly seems the same. Students, both younger and older, make their way to classes, and the faculty all work to ensure that this area is a great place for that. For the two years I attended Elgin Community College, that’s what it looked like on the surface.
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Matt Brady: This college lives up to its name: A community
My attendance at Elgin Community College was born out of uncertainty about the future. Right on the heels of leaving for an expensive four-year college in 2021, I began to question whether the life-changing decision I was about to make was right.
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Loreanne Ugochukwu: Don’t let anyone make you believe you can’t
I remember driving past Elgin Community College a few times over the years and thought, “Wow, such beautiful grounds.” It didn’t look anything like I had envisioned a community college to look like. I got the nudge to go back to school after hearing an ad on the radio that talked about obtaining a degree in two years would allow you to work with children in foster care.
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Melanie Escobar: I thank Elgin Community College for enriching my education
Good afternoon, fellow graduates, family, friends, and faculty. It is my greatest honor and privilege to address such a diverse community of people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Thank you to our distinguished guests for attending today to celebrate a special milestone.
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Jesse Ramirez: This day is just the start
My journey at ECC has been riddled with hardships, pain, hope, loss, and self-discovery, and the past five years pushed me to my limits. From toxic relationships to mental health struggles that almost cost me my life, I have been through it all. I would find myself at times asking myself what I have going for me. Can I even really be of service to someone if I don’t have it all together?
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Gwyneth Canlas: Always follow your dreams and do what you love
My dream of becoming a Nurse has been something I had imagined my entire life. I was able to fulfill the goal of achieving my degree along with finding myself in the process.
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Clarissa Murphy: My self-doubt was replaced by faith in my abilities as a student
I had no original intent of joining the Human Services program; in truth, I went in thinking of project management, but I’d always been passionate about connecting with folks, mental wellness, and listening to people's stories.
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Tara Retondo: Nothing or no one will ever decide where I end up in life except me
My dream goal for years was to work in the mental health field because, as someone who had a battle with mental illness, I would find meaning in helping others through theirs.
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Dayana Bagdo: My peers and professors helped me overcome my fear
Exactly four years ago, I moved to this country from Venezuela. One day, I was 17, graduating high school in my country, and the other day, I was trying to find a job to support my family in our process of creating a new life in a new country with a different language.
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Aolany Campuzano: I am a first-generation high school and college graduate
As a first-generation Mexican-American, entering higher education was a world unbeknownst to me. All I knew was that I had to do this to make my parents sacrifice immigrating to this country for me and my family.
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Sheronda Murray-Jamison: I now have options for my future
For Sheronda Murray-Jamison, her State of Illinois High School Diploma has opened the door to new career options. I am hoping to find a position with Sherman Hospital or Rush in Chicago when I graduate. I want to help as many people as I can and learn as much as possible.
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Chioma Echefu: I charge you to venture into the unknown with courage as I did
I am a foreign student from Ibadan, Nigeria, and I would never have imagined myself giving a commencement speech in a reputable college in the United States of America.
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Cristina Bahena Benitez: My diploma is just the beginning of my journey
For Cristina Bahena Benitez, the Education and Work Center provided the support and guidance she needed to earn her State of Illinois High School Diploma.
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Paulina Sequeda Malave: This is not over; life is barely beginning
You welcomed me to this country with smiles and open arms, and I will personally miss all of you. I've never been one to give good pep talks, so I'll keep it honest. This is not over; life is barely beginning, and I can say that many challenges await us in the coming months.
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Ariana Marchan: ECC helped me balance school and athletics, preparing me for my future
On my first attempt at college, I went away to school, as most 18-year-olds leaving high school wanted to do. I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, and when I moved back home, I enrolled at Elgin Community College. I was excited; I felt better being back at home with my family, and at ECC, I was awarded a scholarship to play for the women’s basketball team – a sport I absolutely love.
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Laureano Escobar: My ECC education gave me the tools to improve lives in my community
I am a first-generation college student. My parents were immigrants from central Mexico, and both came to this country at a young age but did not have the same opportunities I had. Thanks to their efforts and sacrifices, I discovered what I truly wanted to do with my life.
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Jordan Williams: My advice for future students is to never give up
My time at Elgin Community College has been quite the experience! I first enrolled in 2016 to start my journey to qualify for the nursing program. My advice for future students is never to give up; you might need to take a break and rest, but never give up!
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Dominic Di Palermo: ECC experience prepared me for my future
After deciding that I would stay home and enroll at ECC, I decided that I would make the absolute most out of the two-year associate degree I was pursuing - A goal I definitely achieved.
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Megan Petronella: From ECC employee to ECC graduate
My journey to discovering what I wanted to be when I grew up was very long and winding. I have started and stopped college multiple times. Right out of high school, I originally went to college for another science-based degree and struggled.
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Kip Kane: Though the journey was difficult, I learned I am stronger than I know
In the fall semester of my senior year of high school, I took on one of the hardest challenges of my life. My school offered a dual-credit program through which I could simultaneously work on my high school diploma and an associate degree from Elgin Community College.
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Juliet Duncan: Sometimes dreams take a long time to fulfill, but it’s worth it in the end
My love for the medical profession began when I was just two. I was in a sledding accident and had to go to the ER to get eight stitches in my right eyebrow. That experience sparked something in me.
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Jocelyn Thammavongsa: I experienced a strong sense of community and belonging at ECC
My time at Elgin Community College was a life-changing experience I will always treasure. I’d never reflected on the past two years here until I was asked to write this essay.
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Hannah Garcia: ECC gave me a platform to make an impact
I have been a student at Elgin Community College since the fall of 2021. In this short time, I had the opportunity to engage in our diverse student organizations and be involved in our theater productions. Most importantly, I have been blessed with a robust education.
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Beth Barnes: I am beyond grateful for all of the experiences ECC has provided me
My time at Elgin Community College has been the best years of my life. Since a freshman in college, even during the height of the pandemic, I was able to make new friends and get involved, whether virtual or in person.
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Tiffany Jensen: My experiences at ECC made me more confident in my abilities
It's been a long road, some of us longer than others. And if you are wondering, I am one of the others! So, are you ready to go on my journey?
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Julio Hernandez: We can make a difference in our communities, thanks to ECC
It is a pleasure to be speaking here today. I have dreamt many times of being here. Over the past two years or however long it has been for you - reflect on how much has changed.
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Melanie Thomas: Thanks to ECC, I’m no longer wondering ‘What If'
After high school, I left home for university life, which was very appealing at 18. I did okay my freshman year, but my second year was rough, and I missed home. I decided not to return after a horrible academic sophomore fall semester and began working full-time at a daycare center.
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Theresa Rees: ECC helped me prove I can accomplish any goal I set for myself
My college journey started in the fall of 2015. I wasn’t sure if I would like Elgin Community College, but I thought I’d give it a try. College life hasn’t been easy for me, I am a first-generation student, so I have pressured myself to finish what I have started.
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Emma Bell: ECC brought out the best version of me
At Elgin Community College, I was warmly welcomed and shown how to better myself through education. I had the opportunity to learn from outstanding professors and connect with excellent staff—their dedication and communication profoundly contributed to my overall success.
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Aurora Light Moushon: Working in the math lab alongside my teachers has inspired me
When I started college, I was nervous because I knew my classes would cover twice the material in half the time compared to what I was accustomed to in high school. On that point, my instructors did not disappoint; however, they surprised me with how well they explained the material.
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Ruthann Schatz: ECC helped me achieve a goal a lifetime in the making
Ruthann Schatz tried college once, and it didn't work out. Almost 40 years later, encouragement from her son gave her the push to give college another try. Now, she's graduating with her degree and a new dream for her future.
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Evelin Gonzalez Tapia: I am standing in front of you because I have received help
Thank you, Dr. Gregory Robinson, and ECC faculty and trustees. It's my honor today to deliver the commencement address for my incredible fellow ECC classmates. Also, I want to welcome peers’ families, and faculty to this graduation day at Elgin Community College. Please note that each one of you has made a positive impact on each one of us who is graduating today.
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Dylan Mejdrich: ECC has been an opportunity, a blessing, and a second chance
I want to thank everyone for coming to graduation. I haven’t seen this many happy people in quite some time. It is humbling to address and represent a group with many different stories.
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Claudia Robles: ECC gave me the opportunity to mature and learn
When I was a high school student, I never thought I would be able to say I am vice president of student government, the social media coordinator for the Human Services Club, an Elgin Community College honors graduate, and transferring to my dream school, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Karina Hernandez Flores: Whatever you want from life, you will be capable of reaching it
Did you have a chance to stop and think about what you want from life? It might be one of the most challenging questions that someone can answer. As a mother of eight children, my immediate answer is “to be a good mom,” but a question behind that answer resonated in my mind: “How do I become that good mom that my children need?” Then, I realized that what I needed was to understand who I am.
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Jenna Manzano: ECC has taught me to be proud of who I am
Elgin Community College was a surprise in many different ways. I hadn’t considered applying here until a few weeks before school started in 2020. My future was uncertain due to the global pandemic and family complications, but ECC provided me with normalcy.
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Patrick Able: For the first time in my life, I am not directionless
I never considered getting an education past high school was something meant for me. I was in and out of Elgin Community College multiple times for ten years, trying different things. I reapplied to ECC one last time; it has been one of the best academic experiences of my life.
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Madeleine Ryan: At ECC, I finally found my future in nursing
Growing up, I was never a kid that knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. I went through phases of wanting to be a teacher, a doctor, a vet, a ballerina, all the things little girls say they want to be. It wasn’t until my high school AP biology class that I really started to fall in love with human anatomy and the medical field.
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Kristine Darvin: ECC helps students find success
The past four years of being a student have not been easy. I started my journey in the spring of 2019, and since then, many things have changed in academics.
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Hailey Hall: Pursue your passion no matter how hard it may seem
Attending Elgin Community College for the last two years has been a great journey. ECC has allowed me to enhance not only my educational career but also my softball career. I have played softball for the last 15 years, and I was not sure if I would be able to continue playing once I reached the collegiate level.
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Eduardo Chaidez: To ECC, thank you for the memories
Between 2013 and 2022, I changed majors eight times, attended three universities, earned an associate in science, completed over 100 credit hours, have a cumulative GPA of 2.8, earned my industrial maintenance certificate, and will start my career repairing kidney transporters. At Elgin Community College, I was part of the Anime Club.
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Diana Rodriguez: I’m grateful for all that ECC has done for me
When I began my journey at Elgin Community College, graduating with my Associate in Science seemed impossible to achieve. I felt this way for many reasons, and it seemed there were more reasons why I would not make it than I could.
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Cassie Stevens: Thanks to ECC, I'm finally starting my dream career
I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. In 2018, the time was right for me to return to school. I investigated several schools and found my home at ECC.
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Justin Martinez: I leave ECC with a sense of immense pride and gratitude
Since high school, I have had a passion for engineering and have always planned to get a degree. However, despite being told multiple times that taking a gap year was a bad decision, I wasn’t sure I was financially ready for college. Ultimately, I decided to take a gap year to work and build up my finances.
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Juan Chavez: My story is proof that ECC is a place where people can come and fight for th
We all have different reasons to learn English and get our GED diplomas, but we have something great in common: our desire to change our lives and the lives of those around us. I hope my story inspires and motivates you to keep moving forward and fighting for your goals and dreams.
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Taryn White: Find the right path and fight to stay on it
Taryn White, student speaker for the Career & Technical Programs Commencement Ceremony, took a risk that paid off big for her future. I walked into class every day, and they were ready to teach us. They were energetic and encouraging, and you could see their passion for what they did, and it made me want to work harder. It made me excited to wake up every day and go to class. They have instilled that passion I will carry for the rest of my life.
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Zain Alsalhani: We have been equipped with the necessary tools to be able to overcome any
Zain Alsalhani reflects on his time at ECC. We are here to celebrate our achievements and comradery not as just students but as a community.
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Larissa Scott: ECC challenged me to strive for excellence and put my best foot forward
Elgin Community College constantly challenged me to strive for excellence and put my best foot forward. Because of ECC, I am more driven and embrace challenges.
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Ashley Freeman: ECC Let Me Explore My Career Options
For Ashley Freeman choosing Elgin Community College was a no-brainer. While studying at ECC, Ashley was able to find the right career path in Healthcare.
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My Immigrant Story is a Success Thanks to ECC
Shortly after immigrating from Cameroon, Sandra Djou started her ECC journey as an English as a Second Language. She's graduating with her associate degree and heading to her bachelor's.
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Linda Kooper: It's never too late and you are never too old to follow your passion
Linda Kooper wanted her life to be different and have a brighter future. After considering the best path for her, she decided to attend ECC.
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Taylor Vitacco: No place strives for student success like ECC
Taylor Vitacco reflects on her journey at ECC. This school has given me endless opportunities, such as leadership roles within different clubs.
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Katherine Castiglione: ECC opened new doors to my future
Elgin Community College helped Katherine Castiglione smoothly transition to college. The warm welcome brought a sense of belonging.
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Leslie Miranda: Never underestimate your potential
Leslie Miranda is highly grateful to her professors and clinical instructors in the nursing program at Elgin Community College.
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Najmu Sahar: ECC is a great place to start
Graduate Najmu Sahar knew she was not ready for a four-year college. She turned to ECC to start her college experience while she figured out her path. Read more about how ECC put her on the right path towards her goals.
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Wendy Rivera: At ECC, I finally felt like I belonged
Wendy Rivera never imagined graduating with high honors or pursuing a bachelor's degree. Read how ECC shaped her into who she is today.
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Robert Phelan: ECC gave me the confidence I needed
Robert Phelan returned to school after seven years to move his education forward. Read more about how ECC helped him develop the confidence to pursue his dreams.
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Danielle Lauritzen: ECC let me grow into who I am today
In high school, Danielle Lauritzen was lucky enough to know what she intended to make of her life. At ECC, she grew and understood her place in this world through the work she had a passion for - teaching.
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Lisbeth Castillo: ECC taught me to embrace challenges at opportunities to grow
Experiencing culture shock and learning English as an immigrant who moved from Guatemala at age 14 significantly impacted Lisbeth Castillo's life. Read about how ECC opened doors to her brighter future.
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Ruthie Chae: Pursue your dreams, no matter what
Career and Technical Programs ceremony student speaker Ruthie Chae reflects on her time at ECC. Never be afraid, and follow your dreams.
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Kori Stoll: Keep going, because it's worth it in the end
During the Introduction to Education course at Elgin Community College, I realized I wanted to teach middle school.
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Liam Coleman: ECC is a bright choice for a bright future
I transitioned from high school to college in a fun, friendly, and engaging environment that allowed me to work towards my associate degree while giving me time to figure out and explore what I wanted to do with my life. I cannot recommend ECC enough to prospective students and can personally attest to its being a bright choice for a bright future.