"Guess what was still there for me during this time? Richland Community College.
While I couldn't attend full-time classes at the university, I could take one course I needed at RCC."
Tell us about your background and about your life growing up.
I grew up in a working-class family in central Illinois. My parents worked hard to ensure my brother and I had opportunities to excel. Growing up, neither of my parents had college degrees. My mom worked Saturdays and many evenings. I remember my parents scrambling to find child care when my dad worked 'mandatory Saturdays' or when he had to flip to nightshifts. They did not feel like they had other employment options, but they made it work. There was a big emphasis on education in my household. My parents would say things like, 'Do well in school so you have more opportunities!'
I went to a small, rural school where students knew each other well. It was a rare occasion, and a big deal, when a new student moved into the district. I attended the same school district from kindergarten through grade twelve. This experience was common for many of my classmates. While there were benefits to the stability of my early educational experience, there were not a lot of opportunities to meet new people.
My mom was vocal about her view that a college degree opens opportunities. My first experience at Richland Community College (RCC) was in the child care center. My mom worked full time, sometimes working 12-hour shifts, and she still made time to take one course each semester. I remember her setting a goal to earn a college degree before either of her children – and she did! She completed her associate's degree at RCC and then earned a bachelor’s degree one semester before I earned mine. This wouldn’t have been possible without community college.
What community college did you attend and why?
I chose Richland Community College because they had a partnership with my high school. When I was in the 10th grade, my high school guidance counselor encouraged me to take college coursework during my junior and senior years of high school. I was eager to finish my educational career at that point and leave school as soon as possible. Of course, little did I know I would choose to be a career student and work in a college setting.
After high school I enrolled in Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. When I arrived on campus, I had completed a full year of coursework thanks to RCC. My experience at RCC was more than the credits I earned; the experience set me up for success at the four-year institution. I learned lessons in organization, time management, and self-discipline.
I attended SIU, did well in my coursework, and was on track to graduate early. But life had other plans! While I was away at SIU, I was diagnosed with cancer, a form of lymphoma. My doctors advised me to move back home for chemotherapy, and I began treatment within two weeks of the diagnosis. Guess what was still there for me during this time? RCC. While I couldn’t attend full-time classes at the university, I could take one course I needed at RCC. That class gave me hope and helped me maintain focus. After I finished cancer treatment, I returned to SIU and earned my bachelor's degree.
Who were some individuals that helped shape your success during this time, and how did they do it?
When I was in high school, one of the major employers in our area closed its doors. About 1,500 people lost their jobs overnight. It was a major blow to the local economy. Some people moved away, others found new employment, and others took the opportunity to go back to school. One of my strongest memories from my time as an RCC student was a night class I took as a junior in high school. I was the only person under the age of 18; many of the students were at least twice my age. Many had been working in manufacturing before the layoffs and shutdowns. I was not only in class with a different demographic of students than I ever had before, but it was a speech class! I learned a great deal about life during that semester. I learned about grit and resilience from my classmates, as many recounted personal stories of loss and grief. I stretched out of my comfort zone, and I have no doubt that that course contributed to my growth, compassion, and confidence as a young adult.
How has attending a community college influenced your outlook on education and life?
As a child, seeing my mom attend community college was vital. Higher education is not a one-size-fits-all process, or even a one-size-fits-most endeavor. Community college students vary in so many ways: some return for a second career, some are determined to break a cycle of intergenerational traumas, some have been accepted to four-year institutions but see benefits in getting a two-year degree first. Nobody had to tell me community college was for everyone – I saw it firsthand. These days, I have so much pride in working at a community college. It's inspiring to see RCC and other institutions adapt to the changing needs of our communities.
How do you view community colleges as being institutions that provide equitable opportunities for students who are pursuing a postsecondary education?
Community colleges offer pathways for students who may or may not seek completion to a four-year degree. By expanding short-term training options, offering grant-funded programs that pay students for attendance, and using an empowerment model, community colleges can provide more equitable opportunities for a wider range of individuals.
The Decatur area had been experiencing economic decline for many years. Now, however, advanced manufacturing and other industries are investing here. Community colleges are in a unique position to adapt to the rapidly changing needs of their local workforce. They play a vital role in identifying opportunities to offer training to individuals who have been unemployed, underemployed, or living below poverty levels. This is done by working with local employers, anticipating industry needs, creating short-term training programs, and providing support for students. In doing so, new opportunities are available for individuals who may not have thought 'college' was a viable option.
How did your learning and overall experiences at a community college lead to your further course of study and current career?
I was always interested in sociology, even before I knew there was a field of study called that. My parents had a diverse group of friends, although I lived in a very homogenous area. I was interested in history, but more so in the people, their beliefs, culture, and circumstances surrounding historical change.
Initially, I wanted to be a teacher. I earned a sociology degree from SIU and planned on completing a master's degree. My goal was to be a college professor. However, my cancer diagnosis led me to pause on continuing my education, and I pursued a career in medical and psychiatric outpatient case management. I quickly learned my favorite area to work on with individuals was their educational goals, helping empower them to believe they can attain their objectives. I enjoyed teaching and supporting people in using coping skills and advocating for themselves, as well.
The skills I gained as a caseworker easily transferred to my work in the community college setting. One of my current roles at RCC is to serve as our institution’s benefits navigator. In this role, I assist students with identifying and applying for benefits such as insurance and food assistance.
You attended the second Illinois Community College Leadership Institute in May at Richland Community College. How was that experience and what did you get out of it?
The Illinois Community College Leadership Institute (ICCLI) left me feeling empowered to continue working from an equity lens. With a focus on equitable access, improved student support services, and identifying gaps in student outcomes, we have an opportunity to create positive, lasting change in our communities. ICCLI was an excellent opportunity to connect and grow with established and emerging Illinois educational leaders.