FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER
Student journeys that inspire
Every student has a story. From recent high school grads to working parents, our students represent the full spectrum of Illinois — and they’re all making incredible strides toward their goals.
Eric’s Story
Program: Environmental Biology
College: Lake Land College
Fifteen years after graduating from high school, Eric Stanley decided he needed a change. He was tired of working in factories and ready to pursue a career involving his passion for animals. This led him to take a leap of faith and enroll in Lake Land’s Environmental Biology program. The prospect of returning to school after so many years was nerve-racking, but after discovering Lake Land’s welcoming campus and extensive student support services, he quickly found that college isn’t so scary after all. In Eric’s own words: “It kind of makes me mad I didn’t do it sooner.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
“I’m more confident. I’m more driven. I know what I want, and it’s showing me that I can fulfill my goal and my dream of doing what I want.”
Where
he’s headed
Eric is excelling as a student leader, serving as a TRIO ambassador and an active member of the Alternative Education Club. He was nominated for the 2025 Non-traditional Student of the Year.
Sydney’s Story
Program: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
College: Triton College
For student Sydney Babbington, Triton College’s smaller class sizes have made all the difference in her journey of becoming an ultrasound technician. “Prior to Triton, I attended a larger university and it was too big for me,” she said. “At Triton, I fell right into the classes and culture of the college.”
Babbington was drawn to a career as an ultrasound technician because she finds the work to be rewarding. Although she acknowledges that Triton’s program is challenging, she credits her success to the support of her instructors and classmates, whom she describes as her “support team.”
NEW BEGINNINGS
“It’s a lot to juggle, but the classroom and clinical environment complement each other in a way that enriches our learning experience and prepares us for working full time in the field.”
Where
she’s headed
Babbington completed her clinicals at University of Illinois Chicago, with a focus on obstetrics. She finds working with pregnant patients incredibly fulfilling and enjoys helping people.
Itzel’s Story
Program: Physical Therapy
College: Elgin Community College
Itzel Mendoza initially considered a career in nutrition, but quickly shifted to physical therapy after chatting with a friend who suggested the path. In March 2021, she applied for a rehabilitation technical position. At the time, Mendoza was in the process of learning more about the physical therapy field and finishing prerequisites for the program.
After enrolling in Elgin Community College’s (ECC) Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program in fall 2023, she was able to observe physical therapists in hospitals and clinics, which helped her discover that she is most interested in pelvic health therapy, particularly in the outpatient clinic setting.
NEW BEGINNINGS
“I would like to encourage students who don’t know what to do for a career path to look into physical therapy. It’s a really rewarding career, and a lot of patients are very thankful for you for being there during a very hard time with them. It’s an amazing process to watch.”
Where
she’s headed
Itzel plans to graduate in May 2026, and pursue certification in pelvic health therapy through ECC’s continuing education programs.
BEYOND GRADUATION
Alumni who are
making an impact
Our alumni go on to do incredible things — in business, healthcare, technology, education, and beyond. Their stories reflect the power of accessible education and the limitless potential of every learner.
Miles’s Story
Program: Music
College: Illinois Central College
After a senior year disrupted by COVID-19, Miles was left unmotivated, disconnected, and without a plan. That fall, he enrolled at Illinois Central College, hoping to figure things out while pursuing the one thing he felt connected to: music. With guidance from Music program chair Dr. Julie Clemens, he began to thrive. He earned a 4.0 GPA, co-founded a music education club, and credits the experience with developing the leadership style he now brings to his own teaching.
NEW BEGINNINGS
” I felt behind on my future, but ICC gave me the support and direction I needed. It built my character and prepared me for everything that came after.”
Where
he’s headed
After ICC, Miles transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, completing his bachelor’s in Music Education in just two years. Now, he’s earning a master’s in Percussion Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois, preparing for a future in teaching, performing, or both.