ECC custodian to get his own degree

Not many college commencement speakers are tasked with setting and cleaning up the same event.

But then, not many tell a story like Juan Hernandez.

Hernandez, a full-time custodian at the college, today will receive his associate degree with honors. He also will give the ceremony's commencement address.

A former art teacher in Mexico, Hernandez moved to Elgin 17 years ago to better provide for his wife and daughters.

Hired at ECC in 1995, he worked two jobs, took English classes and aspired to return to teaching.

In 2001, Hernandez received a full-time job at ECC. Shortly after, he began taking classes in the evenings after work.

"I just took one or two classes a semester -- no more," he said. Slowly, Hernandez chipped away at earning his associate degree.

Though the hard-won degree is certainly a source of pride for Hernandez and his family, the invitation to be the commencement speaker caught him by surprise.

"They just called me. It was a Tuesday -- my day off," he said. "I said, why me?"

Hernandez conjectures that he might be viewed as a "good example" for others in similar situations.

Today he plans to tell his fellow graduates "that even if it takes them three or four years, it's never too late to reach your goals. … I think the most important thing is just try to open doors, and even if many are closed, never give up -- one will open. The only person that can stop you is yourself."

Hernandez's ultimate goal is to become an elementary school teacher. He plans to keep taking classes and transfer to Northern Illinois University to work toward his bachelor's degree.

For now, he said he will enjoy a rest and focus on furthering his 19-year-old daughter Joanna's education. She also is an ECC student.

"Her (education's) my priority right now," he said.