ECC Stories 2025
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Gianna Daufenbach: ECC is more than a school
When I first started at Elgin Community College as a dual credit student, I thought I had my future all figured out. I was studying nursing, determined to follow a path that felt safe and familiar. But what I didn’t realize then was that ECC would not only give me an education, but it would completely reshape the way I saw myself and my future.
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Jasmine Rattanavongsa: Don't be afraid to make the right choice
My time at Elgin Community College has been a journey of self-growth and rediscovery of myself. From financial hardships to mental health struggles — surviving on my own wasn't that easy. Sometimes, I would ask myself... Am I good enough? Can I really give back to my community if I don't have my act together?
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Dali Rangel: You are stronger than you realize
When I was 15 years old, I started attending Elgin Community College. You might wonder, “How did a 15-year-old enroll in college?” Anything is possible at ECC, thanks to the opportunities available through homeschooling.
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Brenda Rogel: Never fear how high your dreams can be
When I graduated from high school, I feared the height of my dreams, especially because of being a first-generation [college] student. I was lost thinking about my future...
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Annika Van Noord: Success can come quickly at ECC
I am so glad I took the chance to take this class, and I am grateful for the position and experience I have now.
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Illinois Small Business Development Center Success Story
wineVEIL: A 5” x 5” piece of two-tone chiffon weighted with silver charms at each corner. Draped over a glass of wine to keep away insects, a wineVEIL transforms wine glasses, decanters, or bottles, creating an elegant touch for outdoor wine tastings, socializing, weddings, and other events. Yes, that is the description of the wineVEIL product. True, it’s unique and elegant. But for Lisa and Mark Hirth, it’s so much more than just a product.
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Planning Your Summer Courses
Summer is almost here. The time for ice cream, flip-flops, and sunshine. But...what if you could still enjoy all of those things while getting ahead in your education journey?
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How to Choose the Right Classes at Elgin Community College
One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your college career is choosing your classes! Picking the right schedule can set you up for success, help you save money, and help reduce stress. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing your courses.
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Meet Stephanie Salgado
Elgin Community College student Stephanie Salgado, of Elgin, Ill., enrolled as a dual credit student with a nudge from her parents. “I took the chance, and I really enjoy it here,” she said. “I love it way more than high school, and I feel like I have gotten a head start since I now know what college is like.”
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Meet Alyssa Vallie
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Alyssa Vallie from Prospect Heights, Illinois, has dreamed of becoming a firefighter-paramedic since she was 15 years old. “I started as a lifeguard when I was 15, and that really got me interested in the EMS side.” Her passion grew even stronger after a family friend, a firefighter paramedic, let her try on his gear and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus); Vallie knew. “I got into the car with my mom [afterward] and told her ‘This is it.’”
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From Classroom to Career: How Elgin Community College Prepares You for Success
For many students, the journey from education to employment doesn’t follow a straight path, and that’s where Elgin Community College can help. Community colleges are built to bridge the gap between the classroom and the career world, offering practical, affordable, and accessible education that aligns directly with workforce needs.
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Meet Jamrya Thomas
Elgin Community College student Jamyra Thomas of Elgin, Ill., was born to be an athlete. She comes from a large family of athletes — including her parents, grandparents, and siblings — so sports have always been a big part of her life. As a member of the ECC women’s softball team, Thomas stands out as a great team player. While she’s known for being hard on herself, she chooses to go easy on her teammates.
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The Bright Side of Summer School
For many students, summer classes might not seem like the most appealing option. For Sarah Serrano, a student at Elgin Community College (ECC), taking a biology course over the summer turned out to be one of the best decisions she made for her academic journey.
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Staff Spotlight: Vinny Cascio
Vinny Cascio, an accomplished higher education leader, is proud to serve as director of TRiO Student Support Services/ESL at Elgin Community College.
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Financial Aid Comes in Many Forms
Over 50% of ECC students receive some form of financial aid to help cover the cost of their college education. Keith Schwartz, ECC’s director of financial aid and scholarships, says the first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schwartz and his team assisted students one-on-one and connected them to more than $16 million in financial aid during the previous year.
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Fast-track programs can accelerate your career
Looking to jump-start your career quickly? Elgin Community College offers several programs that can be completed in less than a year, helping you gain valuable skills and enter the workforce faster. These short-term programs are perfect for those who want to earn a credential without a long-term commitment.
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Why You Should Apply for an ECC Foundation Scholarship
College can be expensive, but scholarships through the ECC Foundation can help make it more affordable. Many students overlook these valuable opportunities, assuming they won’t qualify or that the application process is too difficult. However, applying for scholarships is one of the smartest steps you can take toward funding your education. Here’s why you should apply—and how to do it.
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Meet Jose Bendeck
Before Elgin Community College (ECC) student Jose Bendeck, of Pingree Grove, Ill., started at ECC, he knew he wanted to begin his education at a community college. After going to College of DuPage for two semesters, he took a short break before enrolling at ECC in the spring of 2024 where he is getting an associates in science degree.
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Together We Thrive: A Commitment to Our Latinx Community
In August 2024, ECC launched its Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Strategic Planning Process. The plan, guided by a diverse steering team, will name key initiatives to strengthen support for Latinx students.
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From Geologist to Caregiver: A Student's Journey
For McGregory Gamez, life has been a journey marked by transformation and resilience. Originally a geologist in Venezuela, he came to the United States in search of a new beginning. At ECC, he discovered the support and resources to help him forge a new direction.
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Meet America Ocampo
When Elgin Community College (ECC) student America Ocampo of Streamwood, Ill., came to ECC in the fall of 2023, she immediately got connected. “I’ve always been someone who is really involved because I find it important to include a different viewpoint and to bring my opinions on what can be improved,” Ocampo said.
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How ECC Supports First-Generation College Students
At Elgin Community College (ECC), we understand that being a first-generation college student is a huge accomplishment. Did you know that nearly 50% of our students are considered ‘first-gen,’ which means they are the first in their family to attend college, or that their parents or guardians didn’t attend college in the U.S?
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Meet Brianna Farmer
When Brianna Farmer, an Elgin Community College (ECC) student, decided to come to ECC after high school in 2023, she didn’t know what she wanted to do yet. Still, she had an inclination toward becoming a police officer.
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Meet Ailine Solis
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Ailine Solis began her studies at the college in the spring of 2019, following her passion for videography.
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4 Tips for Mastering Time Management at ECC
Balancing classes, assignments, work, and personal life can be challenging, but with the right time management skills, you can stay on top of your responsibilities while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Meet Josh Selvig
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Josh Selvig looks forward to transferring to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) in the fall of 2025 after being awarded a scholarship for $25,000. MIAD was drawn to Selvig’s art portfolio, specifically the “Fountain of Thought” art installation he created at ECC.
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Everything in Life Has a Tradeoff
Life is all about tradeoffs. What are you willing to exchange for what you want? We all have dreams and desires, but achieving them requires effort. For some, a college degree is unnecessary, while for others, it’s essential. College may offer financial benefits, with studies showing that a bachelor’s degree can increase lifetime earnings by $964,000 compared to having only a high school diploma.
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Meet Javielis Meneces Acuña
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Javielis Meneces Acuña immigrated from Venezuela in 2021. She knows she can accomplish anything she wants with her unwavering confidence and contagious personality.
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Meet Lorraine Wright
It’s 2022, the world is slowly returning from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Elgin Community College (ECC) student Lorraine Wright of Geneva, Ill., is ready for a change.
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Meet Jorge Garcia
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Jorge Garcia first came to the college during his senior year of high school through a dual credit class. After finishing high school, he knew ECC was the right place to continue his education.
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Meet Audree Khotisene
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Audree Khotisene’s college experience was made when she became a student worker for the Office of Student Life.
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Victor Graciano: Travel Abroad to Spain
Last summer, ECC student Victor Graciano attended the Summer 2024 program at the International College of Seville (ICS). Learn more about his unique experience abroad in Seville, Spain.
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Cade Steichen: I am proud to have been part of this class
Cade Steichen graduated as Valedictorian of the Elgin Community College Fire Academy Class of 2024. Learn about his journey, which he was honored to share in a speech at the Fire Academy Recognition Ceremony in December 2024.
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Meet Izzy Vidallo
Beneath the bold, tattooed exterior of Elgin Community College (ECC) student-athlete Izzy Vidallo is a driven entrepreneur who has known since she was 16 that she didn’t want to work a standard 9-to-5 job. She is ready to be her own boss.