Graduate Essays - 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.

I came to Elgin Community College (ECC) because I grew up in the community of Elgin. When it was my time to go to college, I was afraid that I would not be able to overcome the obstacles ahead as a first-generation and undocumented student. Despite these fears, I couldn’t shake the desire for a better future. I persevered during my time at ECC. Working full time, taking part-time classes, taking care of family, lost, losing hope. 

All of this was a push to keep striving at ECC.

I plan to transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago for a Bachelor’s degree in marketing. I enjoyed being a part of the clubs in student life, getting involved, and paying back to my community, so I plan to do the same wherever I go. I was the president of the Organization of Latin America Students (OLAS) from 2022 through 2023 and it was the best decision I've made during my time at ECC. The group offered me support and growth. 

I met so many amazing people from the community and attended great events like the Illinois Latino Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, to which Dr. Antonio Ramirez, assistant professor of history and political science, invited me, and conferences like the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, where I made great friends and connections.

My biggest accomplishment at ECC is being the co-founder of a new club called WE RISE ECC, a club for undocumented students. Our motivation was to offer a space where undocumented people and allies could feel welcomed because people who are thinking about college should not experience the level of dissolution that I felt. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Manuel Salgado, associate professor of psychology and my We Rise advisor, for the words of encouragement and help he has given me these last semesters. I would also like to thank Gaea Atta Moy, student life coordinator, for the tremendous support I received once I joined OLAS. She has guided me so much and connected me to the right people through college. I am truly grateful to both of my advisors for shaping me to become a leader and seeing the potential I had for being president of both clubs.

My advice to future students is to always ask for help and take advantage of the resources ECC offers. Be involved, and don't be afraid to be yourself. Everyone has a story to share, and yours deserves to be heard. Navigating college as a first-generation Latina and undocumented student has been a journey. There will continue to be bumps in the road, but I'm confident that with my perseverance and the support of others, I can overcome any challenges I may face. 

Thank you, ECC.

Miriam Salas, ‘24

Elgin, Illinois

Associate in Arts

You can read more graduate essays by visiting elgin.edu/graduates.