Graduate Essays - 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.

My love for history goes back to elementary school, when I chose to read the “Who Was…?” series because the cover caught my attention. From there, I immediately fell in love with history, which remained my favorite subject throughout Middle and High School. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that field, so I chose to attend Elgin Community College.

I came to ECC in 2020 mainly because students are highly involved in clubs and organizations. I was always timid in high school, so I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and ECC was the school for that. However, I struggled my first two years because of the pandemic; everything was on Zoom, and my college experience was not what I expected. Because of my struggle in my first two years, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to have an academic comeback. However, the faculty here at ECC did not give up on me; they gave me the resources I needed to succeed. Thanks to them and my Student Success Coach, I have made the President's List for the past three semesters.

I began to join clubs and became a student leader for the Performing Arts Club and the Organization of Latin American Students. My love for theater returned, and I participated in six performances here at ECC. I even joined the Center for Undergraduate Research, Innovation, and Creativity (CURIC), and I learned more about how to research in depth. Later, I showcased my research at the ECC Symposium.

I want to shout out my history professors, Antonio Ramirez, Vincent Gaddis, Marisol Rivera, and the other professors with whom I had such a privilege to take their classes. They really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I appreciate them and will always take their advice wherever I go.

I will attend the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada this fall!

My advice for students is not to be afraid to put themselves out there and join a club or organization. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed; the faculty here at ECC really care about their students and I am able to graduate thanks to them.

Elizabeth Del Rio

Associate in Arts

Genoa, Ill.

Visit elgin.edu/graduates for more graduate stories.