Tisbisay Ocando: From ESL Student to Advocate: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

In October 2020, I walked into Elgin Community College for the first time with a simple but powerful goal: to learn English and build a new life in a country I now call home. 

I had arrived in the United States from Venezuela alone, and 20 months later, my two children joined me. Together, we carried hope, resilience, and a deep commitment to building a better future as a family. 

In my home country, I was a full-time university professor and head of the computer science department at UNEXPO (Instituto Nacional Experimental Politécnico “Antonio José de Sucre”). I dedicated my career to teaching, mentoring students, and advocating for their rights, while also supporting colleagues during difficult political and economic times. As an active member and leader during one of the most critical periods in my country, I worked alongside fellow professors and, with the support of our faculty association (APUNEXPO), raised our voices in peaceful advocacy for fair salaries, human rights, and improved institutional resources and infrastructure for our university. I was also pursuing both a master’s degree and a doctorate—dreams I had to pause when the pandemic changed my path and led me to remain in the United States in 2020. 

Starting over was not easy. Like many immigrants, I arrived with education and experience but without a clear understanding of how to navigate a new system. I worked in factories—candy, tools, gift wrapping, and plastic production—grateful for the opportunity to support my family but knowing deep inside that I was capable of more. 

During those uncertain times, my faith became one of my greatest sources of strength. For the past three years, I have been a volunteer at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, where my relationship with God has grown even stronger. My faith has sustained me through every challenge since I arrived in this country, especially during moments of uncertainty related to immigration policies, when fear sometimes made continuing our journey feel difficult. However, through faith, perseverance, and a commitment to education, 

My family and I chose to keep moving forward, believing that preparation and knowledge would open new opportunities for our future. 

Everything began to change when I found Elgin Community College. 

Through the ESL program, I not only learned English but also built confidence, found purpose, and discovered a path forward. From my very first class, ECC welcomed me with a supportive and inclusive environment that encouraged me to grow. I am deeply grateful to professors Sarah Burkhart, Susan Timm, Erin Vorbonick, Catherine Stepan, Annette Barker, and Mark Krukowski, as well as mentors Elena Gardea and Marcia Luptak, who believed in me, guided me, and helped me see possibilities I once thought were out of reach. 

With their support, I set a new goal: to pursue an Associate Degree in Computer Network Systems. This allowed me to reconnect with my professional background, update my skills, and continue growing both personally and professionally. 

Thanks to the education and confidence I gained at ECC, I felt prepared to pursue new professional opportunities. Today, I am proud to work as a Technology Specialist at School District U-46, a position I have held for the past three years. This opportunity has been a true blessing in my life, allowing me to continue growing professionally while contributing to my community. 

My journey at ECC has been filled with meaningful milestones. In December 2025, I earned my first specialization as a User Specialist with High Honors. In Spring 2026, I will complete my certification as a Microcomputer Specialist, also with High Honors, and I will continue working toward my associate degree. 

ECC supported me not only academically, but also financially and personally. Through ESL tuition waivers, scholarships, advising, and mentoring, I was able to continue my education while supporting my family. ECC did not just educate me—it empowered me. 

The impact of ECC extends beyond my personal journey. It has transformed the future of my entire family. My son excelled in the GED program, earning one of the highest scores and receiving a scholarship. He will graduate in December 2026 with his associate degree in Integrated Systems Technology. My daughter is a high-achieving high school student, taking AP and Honors classes while pursuing her passion as a competitive gymnast. Together, we are building a future through education, perseverance, and faith. 

Through opportunities like the COABE Convention, made possible by ECC, I discovered another purpose: advocacy. I realized that we are not only here to receive opportunities—we are here to contribute. Today, I am proud to serve as a member of the COABE Ambassador Circle, representing Illinois and advocating for adult education. 

My journey has shown me that education is more than learning—it is a transformation. It is the bridge that connects where we are to where we want to be. For many in the Latino community, the challenge is not a lack of talent, but a lack of information, guidance, or confidence. I hope to help change that. 

Looking ahead, I aspire to continue my education and, one day, return to the classroom as a professor at Elgin Community College. I want to give back to the institution that gave me so much, supporting students—especially those in the Latino community—so they can overcome fear, access opportunities, and achieve their goals. 

I have always believed in the power of education and in embracing every challenge with determination. As a woman of faith, a mother, a student, a professional, and the head of my household, I have learned to balance responsibilities while continuing to grow and prepare myself for the future. 

I would like to close with a phrase from my country that has guided me throughout my journey: “Los buenos somos más.” “The good people outnumber the bad.” 

Today, I proudly represent my roots, my family, and every student who dares to begin again. I am deeply grateful to Elgin Community College for being the bridge that helped turn our dreams into reality. 

Tibisay Ocando 

BVS-Computer Network Specialist 

Schaumburg, IL