Graduate Essays - Tracie Hogel: I was excited about this new path

My journey at Elgin Community College (ECC) started when I enrolled in the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) program. I was working for a local mental health agency, and one of my job requirements upon being hired was to become a Certified Recovery Support Specialist in the state of Illinois. 

ECC was one of the few places that offered this program. The program was grant-funded and allowed me a way to obtain this certification without a large cost. Once in the program, my instructor, Drew Beck, instructor of the certified recovery support specialist program, talked about the Human Services department quite often. He encouraged me to pursue a degree in human services. 

He put me in contact with Dr. Liddy Hope, assistant professor of human services. During the summer of 2023, Dr. Hope sold me on the program. She was extremely welcoming and able to talk to me on my level. I was excited about this new path, and so I transferred from McHenry County College (MCC) to finish my degree at ECC.

ECC offered many different options for taking courses. This allowed me the flexibility as a single mother of three to complete my associate degree while working a full-time job. As an older student, I found the professors to be very friendly and welcoming. This was especially helpful to me because I was dreading going to school for in-person classes. 

My previous coursework at ECC was all online, and this was the first time I had experienced in-person classes at a collegiate level. It was initially terrifying, but the amazing professors put me at ease, and I learned that I enjoyed being here. 

Looking back at my time at ECC, I would have to say that Dr. Hope was instrumental in my success. Without her support and her ability to connect with students, I do not think that I would have overcome my anxiety and completed the program. If there is one piece of advice that I would pass along to prospective students, it’s to just give it a try. There is nothing to lose, and you may just find that spark that drives you to succeed. 

Tracie Hogel, ‘24 

McHenry, Illinois

Associate of Applied Science–Human Services Generalist

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