De’Reen Vyleta: My journey at ECC has been fun; my future is a little brighter

My experience at ECC has been outstanding! The people and staff here have helped me change my life.

I started on my educational journey after having a conversation with my son who was 18 years old at the time. We were talking about the future, his future, when I asked him where he wanted to be in five years, ten years, etc. We talked for quite a while, and he ended up asking me where I saw myself in five years and what my future looked like. At the time, I really wasn’t sure. I had been a mom and wife for over 25 years. I loved my job being just that, but as my children were getting older, I really started thinking about what else I could do. After reflecting upon my strengths and existing skills, I started looking into culinary arts and made the decision to enroll in the program at ECC.

Everyone I came in contact with along the way—from counselors, to instructors, to fellow students—has been supportive, encouraging, and well…fun! Attending ECC has been the best decision for me, and I can’t wait for what my future has in store.

~ De’Reen Vyleta, Elgin