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ECC grad Denisse Camargo: Making connections that last a lifetime

When I graduated high school, I was disoriented and was not even sure if enrolling at Elgin Community College was what I wanted. The only thing I was sure about was that I wanted to study business. I wasn't confident ECC could offer much for me, but everything changed during a college tour.

I decided that evening to apply to become a student worker in the Office of Student Life, and that was the best decision I could ever have made. By the time I started classes in the fall of 2017, my peers had fully opened their arms and shared their stories with me. I met people with similar career paths who showed me the way to succeed in my classes, the extracurricular activities ECC offered, and the way to make my ECC experience memorable.

During 2018-2019 I had the pleasure of being the Phi Theta Kappa Treasurer. My role allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and get involved in our college and our community alongside outstanding individuals. Even though it required additional time, this opportunity showed me that behind every event at ECC, there is a team of eager people wanting to show students that ECC is much more than just an affordable college.

I encourage future students to pay more attention as they walk from point A to point B. I'm sure they will be surprised to notice how every day something interesting is going on at ECC. Don't hesitate to try something new just because you do not want to go it alone - that's how you make connections that last a lifetime.

• Denisse Camargo of Elgin graduated from ECC in December with an Associate in Arts degree.

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