Graduate Essays - 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.

I came across physical therapy entirely by chance. I injured my shoulder in high school during martial arts practice and thought I would require surgery. Luckily for me, I was able to rehab my shoulder back to a full recovery. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of the profession and that each stage of treatment was like a jigsaw puzzle that I looked forward to solving.  

My goal has always been to serve my community and help those in need. In the Latino community, there is a lot of medical illiteracy, and much of the information is lost in translation. I want to take all I have learned at ECC and mend that bridge to provide high-quality therapy and education to those in my care. My plan is not just to limit myself to my hometown of Elgin but to travel and work with as many people as possible. After graduation, I would like to see what the rest of the country has to offer and possibly the world.

Laureano Escobar, Elgin

Associate of Applied Science

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