YOU ARE A JJC SUCCESS STORY!
Our future Chefs, Producers, Educators, Counselors, Managers,
Psychologists, Lawyers, Veterinarians…
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Jennifer
Braidwood, IL
Psychology major
Transferring to National-Louis University in the fall of 2007
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Dream job: Teaching Psychology to college students and seeing patients through my private practice. After my children have grown and left
home, I would like to start a transitional housing/educational assistance program for teen mothers. My most memorable experiences are an endless
list! The Vagina Monologues, the graduation ceremony, GSA’s diversity handprint poster, my student worker job, Student Government’s fundraising,
my co-workers in the BCH/Social Sciences
department, the Rotary luncheon with Dr. Proulx, etc.,
etc., etc. |
My advice for new students is to not let fear isolate you. It is normal to be afraid when starting fresh in any new environment. If you have
questions and need help navigating the “college process”, reach out and ask for assistance. You will get people bending over backwards here to
make sure that you’re ok.
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Renee
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Zoology
Dream Job: Not sure yet, maybe the zoo or maybe I could be the next crocodile hunter – who knows? |
I am transferring to Southern Illinois
University/Carbondale in fall 2005. Joliet Junior College has helped me become a better person. My social circle has opened up and I’ve met
many new people that I know I will keep in touch with.
My personality has blossomed and I have gained new knowledge, understanding and experience. Every moment and person at JJC was memorable and my
life would not be the same without them.
My advice for new students is to get involved
and get to know as many
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students and staff as possible because you never know
when you’ll need their friendship, advice or assistance. My time spent at JJC was two of the greatest years of my life. Going to classes, being
involved in clubs and activities was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that made
my time and experiences at JJC special. I am forever grateful and love you all. Thank you!
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Maria
Guanajuato, Mexico
Major: Journalism
Minor: Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Dream Job: Foreign Correspondent for the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post or the New York Times |
I transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign in spring 2005. Joliet Junior College has helped me save money on
my education, get in the mind set that college is different than high school and gave me the opportunity to network with wonderful people. My most
memorable experience was graduation because I didn’t think it was a big deal but everyone was cheering for me. I’ve never had that experience and
it was GREAT! My advice for new students is “look ahead and don’t get comfortable! Keep strong and focused!” There are many great experiences I
had at Joliet Junior College. I do remember the |
process of transferring. It was
very hard, but I got a lot of support from my friends, Yolanda, Angie and the Enlace Program. I will never forget that – thanks!
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Susan
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Psychology
Dream Job: Social Service Counselor |
Joliet Junior College has assisted me in obtaining a higher paying job. It
prepared me to move on to the next level. My most memorable experience at JJC is Mike, Art 108 and completing “My Family Album”.
My advice for new students is “Never give up!Hang in there.” Life Long Learning is very
important. No matter what age we are we can gain more knowledge and inspire others through our testimony to do the same. |
During my time at Joliet Job Corps I had
numerous opportunity to talk to students about “never being too old” to learn and obtain certification. Most recently I saw a former Job Corp
student who now attends Joliet Junior College. I expressed my pride to her in choosing to continue her education and encourage her to “hang in
there”. Though I am unemployed at the time, I feel I can still impact our youth through my experience at JJC.
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Matthew
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Animal Science/Pre-Vet
Dream Job: Veterinarian |
I am planning on transferring to Southern Illinois
University/Carbondale. My first semester I was disappointed because I didn’t go to the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign as planned.
So I started working on pre-requisites for the Vet Tech Program at JJC but soon decided
that I wanted to go to Vet School. I chose to go to SIUC for my undergraduate degree and then go on to Vet School. |
My most memorable experience was meeting Angie
and Julie in the Multicultural Transfer Center. My advice for new students is to “Find the Multicultural Transfer Center, stay focused and stay
on track!” Joliet Junior College was a great experience. I got my general education requirements done. I had several great professors that now
leave impressions and influences on me throughout my educational career.
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LaTasha
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Social Work/Psychology
Dream Job: Psychologist |
I am planning on transferring to DePaul University. Joliet Junior College has helped me from a quiet little lady to a very
outspoken woman. I learned to get involved here and always got any help for just about any class I took. My most memorable experience was being a
peer mentor and the ability to be a leader. My advice for new students is to “get all the help you need, talk to new people to get around the
school. Get a peer mentor and enjoy yourself.” |
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LaTesha
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Political Science
Dream Job: Divorce Lawyer |
I am planning on transferring to the University of Illinois/Chicago. Joliet Junior College has helped me maintain my leadership
skills. Most students come to school, go to work, then go to sleep and that’s the end of their day. In order to become successful in life one must
have excellent grades and high quality leadership skills. My most memorable experience here at JJC was running for Student Trustee. Although I did
not win (lost by 4 votes), I learned an important lesson. |
The lesson I learned was never let anything
anyone says to or about you get you down. It is best for you to turn the negativity into positive energy to help you learn from your mistakes and
appreciate your accomplishments. My advice for all incoming students is “to get involved and stay involved". When I say get involved I mean get
involved with the student organization (because there is a club for everyone) and get to know the students and staff that surrounds you everyday.
The reason I say get involved is because you will be recognized as a “model student”.”
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Sahar
Iran
Major: Computer Science
Dream Job: Management |
I am planning on transferring to Governors State University. The small size of classes at Joliet Junior College have caused me to
be more active and compete with the other students and be recognized in my academic success which encouraged me to even work harder for more
success. My most memorable experience at JJC was when I got a Phi Theta Kappa letter to become a member of International Honor Society. |
My advice to new students is to “study very
hard and try to take advantage of having all these learning opportunities and learn as much as you can because it helps you to develop yourself
and your life and you may find yourself unique among the others". If you work hard in order to reach your goals, I believe your dream will come
true.
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Penelope (Penny)
Lemont, Illinois
Major: Culinary Arts
Dream Job: Teaching high school or adult students basic Culinary Art |
The entire Joliet Junior College experience has helped me realize my dreams. By being involved I’ve met lots of people and felt a
part of JJC. As a “mature” student, JJC has never made me feel different. I’ve been welcome with open arms. I am very happy here. My most
memorable experience was being awarded a medal for "Outstanding Culinary Arts/Hospitality Student of 2003-2004" by my fellow students! My advice
for new students is to “get involved, join clubs that aren’t in your field, sit in the front of the class and have fun!” |
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Mayra
Joliet, Illinois (originally Mexico)
Major: Mass Communications
Dream Job: To be a Producer and help those in need |
I am planning on transferring to Lewis University or the University of St. Francis. JJC has helped me by providing programs like
ENLACE which directed me, guided me and answered questions I may have. My most memorable experience is the immense help from the Student Center.
My advice for new students is to “seek help and don’t give up”. Overall my first year in college was a very good experience. In times where I
needed help, there was always someone there to help. I never felt alone. There is always someone you can go to for help. I know I made the right
decision by coming to Joliet Junior College. |
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Claudia
Joliet, Illinois
Major: Elementary Education/ Reading Education/ Special Ed.
Dream Job: To prepare educators (for the classroom) at the Collegiate level |
I transferred to Western Illinois University and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Joliet Junior College has prepared me
for higher education. The courses that were offered have helped me to be disciplined and conscientious about my academic career. I especially
enjoyed the people that I met at JJC. My advice for new students is “everything that you do counts toward your education. Whether you are a full
or part time student, you must stay focused. Do not give up!” I am currently teaching students in an elementary school. Teaching is truly a
rewarding profession. Because I enjoy working with students with special needs, I am returning to school to pursue additional education in the
area of special education. |
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Michelle
Chicago, Illinois
Major: Social Work/English
Minor: Professional Writing
Dream Job: Novelist and
bookstore owner |
I transferred to Lewis University in Spring 2005. Joliet Junior College has helped me to realize that every stepping stone is a
chance to better myself and achieve success. My success at JJC has built my self-esteem and enabled me to push myself. My most memorable
experience was meeting Angie Kaysen-Luzbetak, Anissa Jones and Dr. Hardersen. All of these people have a permanent place in my memories and heart.
My advice for new students is “if you need help, ask for it. I have never once been turned away, and even if my problems weren’t solved
immediately, I always had a clearer view of the situation." |
Being active in the Honors Program and serving
as Student Government President enriched my experience because I got to know, not just recognize, the amazingly caring and supportive staff and
faculty. Serving as an intern in the MTC has allowed me to develop my professional and interpersonal skills-not to mention friendships with some
really great people. I love that JJC has meant so much to my personal, not just academic, life!
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