Edoraldo Bejko: I learned how to manage my time effectively and stay focused on my goals

Graduating from a two-year associate in science program is a proud and meaningful achievement in my life as a first-generation graduate. This journey at ECC has been filled with challenges, growth, and some of the most valuable experiences that have prepared me for the future and my next step.  

My journey starts in a small country in Europe, called Albania, and after spending a year abroad in another country, I moved to the U.S. From the very first moment I stepped into ECC in the Spring 2024 semester, it felt like a second home. Completing this program has taught me not only academic knowledge but also discipline, perseverance, and confidence. 

When I first began my Associate in Science degree as my first step to get to a BSN program later, I was unsure about what to expect. Especially when you are an international student at ECC, I did not know anything about my classes or how this journey would start. These two years have been filled with great memories and many science courses, preparing me to major in nursing.  There were times when I felt overwhelmed by deadlines and difficult subjects, especially in humanities or social science classes. However, through hard work and determination, I learned how to manage my time effectively and stay focused on my goals. Through these experiences, I received a lesson on not giving up and trying hard until the end, since everything is achievable if you put work into it.  

It is a great honor to be an ECC graduate, and one of the most rewarding parts of this program was gaining knowledge and practical skills that will help me in my future career in nursing. I would like to mention the outstanding faculty members of the biology department for their excellent teaching. The courses challenged me to think critically, solve problems, and deepen my understanding of science and technology. I also developed stronger communication and teamwork skills through class discussions with classmates. Throughout these two years, I received support from my professors. Having English as a second language can create communication barriers, but not with ECC's professors, who were always willing to help and extremely approachable.  

My instructors encouraged me to keep improving by always giving useful advice and reminded me that success comes through persistence. Also, I would like to mention that my family’s encouragement, sacrifices, and support motivated me to continue achieving my goals in life. One day, I want to make them proud by graduating from a university, something that they could not make happened early in their life.   

I cannot describe these two years at Elgin Community College, which helped me grow personally. I became more independent, responsible, and confident in handling challenges on my own since my family is back in my home country. I learned that failures are part of success and that every difficulty is an opportunity to improve and become stronger and learn something for life.  

As I graduate with my Associate in Science degree, I feel excited for the next chapter of my life. As I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Illinois in Chicago for the Fall 2026 semester. I know that this achievement has already created a strong foundation for my future career. Graduating from ECC is not the end of my learning journey but the beginning of new opportunities and experiences. 

In conclusion, completing my Associate in Science program has been one of my greatest accomplishments so far in my life. The lessons, friendships, and experiences I gained during these two years will always stay with me, no matter where I transfer. I am proud of how far I have come and hopeful about the future. Most importantly, I am honored to have graduated from ECC and to be an ECC alumnus. 

Edoraldo Bejko  

Associate in Science (Biology) 

Mount Prospect, IL