Featured Stories
In the Spotlight
Solana Victoria: I found my passion and purpose at ECC
Things like this don’t happen to people like me; I was brought up in adversity, and I spent most of my life in adversity. There was never a time in my life when I thought I would be graduating from college with a 4.0 GPA, be selected as a commencement speaker, and have a full-time job in the field in which I am earning my degree.
Priscilla Gonzalez: ECC wasn’t my first choice, but it was my best choice
Elgin Community College was not on the list of the colleges and universities I originally wanted to attend. Back in high school, I heard about community college stereotypes and remember wanting to be like the kids who planned to go to four-year universities.
Nick LaRocco: ECC helped me develop academically and personally
My journey at Elgin Community College has been not only long and arduous, but quite rewarding and meaningful! After graduating a semester early from high school in January 2015, I had a head start on beginning my college career at ECC, where I’ve worked hard to earn my associate degree in management.
Michelle Kuzdzal: ECC’s paralegal program changed my perspective
I moved to Algonquin with my mom in 2015. At that point, I was a high school dropout with no motivation and a past I wasn’t proud of. So, I took moving as an opportunity to start over and make something of myself. Shortly after getting settled, I got a job, received my GED, and I began my journey at Elgin Community College.
Krystal Calhoun: The journey doesn’t stop here
“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” This influential quote by Michelle Obama has become the reality of my journey at Elgin Community College. My college journey began in the spring of 2016 and has carried me through some incredible moments since then.
Juan Chavez: Through the ESL program, I found my voice
Learning English was one of the most important goals that I wanted to achieve when I moved to the United States in 2013. Back then, I only knew a couple words, and I could not understand anything when someone was talking to me. I felt frustrated because I really wanted to know what people were talking about and to be a part of their conversation.
Jaida Olvera: I will be the first woman in my family to earn a degree
During my senior year of high school, I started at Elgin Community College through the amazing tech prep program and discovered my goals; but the opportunities I received didn’t stop there.
Fatima Cruz: I will continue to strive for a better future
At Elgin Community College, I have gained valuable experiences. Through Student Government, in the position of senator and vice president, I was able to work with a team of fellow student leaders to promote student welfare. I became exposed to the art of advocacy while representing the ECC community to legislators in Springfield