Graduate Essays - Taylor Vitacco: No place strives for student success like ECC

The past two years at Elgin Community College have been the most rewarding educational years I have experienced. In the fall of 2019, I enrolled in ECC’s dual credit program, completing my high school diploma and starting college concurrently.

Ambitious to get involved at ECC, I joined three different clubs and organizations, allowing myself to meet other students, network with various faculty and staff, and improve my life through learning. ECC has provided me with endless opportunities, like serving the students as the 2020-21 Student Trustee, taking on leadership roles within different clubs, and making the President’s list during a pandemic. I have never encountered an institution that strives for student success like ECC. The resources provided were at the tip of my fingers, and I recommend students take advantage of ECC's free resources.

To future Spartans: Take advantage of all the resources, networking opportunities, and leadership skills ECC provides throughout your time as a student. I recommend everyone attend ECC, especially if you have no idea what you wish to become. Being undecided is totally okay—ECC can point you in the direction you want to go!

As I move on to my future, I hope to become a custody evaluator for the social services system. I want to be the go-to person for children within the system as the world changes. I have had a dream to help others, and ECC has made my dreams come true. Thank you, District 509!

Taylor Vitacco, Bartlett
Associate in Arts