Graduate Essays - 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.

As a first-generation college student, I recognized I needed assistance navigating the college process and joined TRiO. They connected me with the Career Development Services, where I took an assessment that revealed my compatibility with math-related fields. Thanks to the affordability of classes, I took an Introduction to Engineering and a Programming course to solidify whether engineering or computer science was a field that best suited me. Now, I know mechanical engineering is the path I want to follow.

When it came to involvement outside the classroom, professors like Jason Kane and being a part of the Honors Program played a big role in encouraging me to take on leadership roles. After becoming the chair for the Honors in Action officer position at Phi Theta Kappa, getting involved around campus came through like a domino effect. I went on to be the vice president and co-founder of the Fiber Arts Club and treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta.

This year, I also had the chance to do a group research project with my engineering professor, Soma Chattopadhyay, and we went to Argonne National Laboratory for further analysis. Things which I could never have imagined became possible! Our project on the Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications won second place in the Skyway STEM Poster Competition. 

These leadership positions not only allowed me to keep in touch with different interests of mine but also helped expand my knowledge and connect with people who share similar values. I must admit that it was scary at first. I worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everything and fall behind in classes due to extracurricular activities, but having more responsibilities on my plate allowed me to manage my time more efficiently.

Although staying in my little bubble felt safe throughout different stages of my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone. I encourage other students to do the same, no matter how big or small that first step is, because a world of opportunities awaits nonetheless.

Diana Ayala ‘24

Associate in Engineering Science

Carpentersville, Ill.

Visit elgin.edu/graduates for more graduate stories.