'My dream came true at ECC'
My dream came true at ECC. Literally!
This is how my adventure of going back to college began: "Hey, honey, wake up! I had a weird dream … I was wearing blue scrubs and parked outside of the Marianjoy hospital building in Oakbrook Terrace. I think I'm supposed to go back to school!"
I said this to my husband when I woke him up early one morning four years ago. I knew this specific dream was special, and I could remember feeling my heart racing once I woke up. In the past, I had contemplated going back to school, but was hesitant due to the fear of it being a challenge financially.
Also, 14 years had passed since I was in college and I was worried it was just too late for me. As a busy mother and wife, I was already working six to seven days a week between two jobs to help make ends meet. I've never been a stranger to hard work, but I can admit now that I was scared to take the initial leap to go back to college.
Later that day, I researched Elgin Community College's website and began reading about the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. I found myself exploring the many requirements and handouts, and was attracted to the idea of pursuing this path.
That afternoon, I called the registration office and they helped me register online for a science course that took place in the evening.
It was an easy decision for me to go to ECC. I had great memories of ECC from when I attended years ago when I was fresh out of high school. The campus was a convenient drive from where I live in St. Charles, had affordable tuition rates, and employment data stated 100 percent of the PTA graduates who sought jobs were employed within six months after passing the licensure exam. I knew I was on the right path for success!
It took me two years to complete the prerequisite classes that were needed, and then I began my efforts to get accepted into the PTA program.
I realized that getting into the program was not only competitive, but also selective. I asked myself if I thought it was worth it. The answer was an immediate "yes!"
After all, my husband and I teach our daughters how important it is to know their real worth and the importance of challenging yourself every day. What better way to lead by example than by applying into a competitive PTA program that would lead to a promising career.
So I did just that, and I was accepted into the program in May 2015. After two years of classroom instruction, clinicals, and lab practice, I'm proud to say that I am graduating with an associate in applied science degree. I am looking forward to working with patients and helping them improve their mobility and function as a physical therapist assistant.
For those who are considering going back to school to pursue a different path, I would advise them to listen to their gut and appreciate the incredible power of intuition.
Elgin Community College made it possible for me to engage and learn from knowledgeable staff members, received scholarships from the ECC Foundation scholarship, and provided plenty of networking opportunities to help with the transition from a student to a health care professional.
Funny thing about that dream I mentioned before. During the PTA program you are assigned to three various clinical experiences which are picked by the director. My first clinical rotation was at Marianjoy Physical Therapy and Outpatient Services in Oakbrook Terrace. And, yes, I was wearing blue scrubs, and the class of 2017 will be the last to wear them.
Therefore, I could honestly say that attending Elgin Community College helped make my dreams come true.