ECC grad Vanessa Solorio Garcia: Thankful for my future as a teacher

I have always wanted to be a teacher. After high school, I started the fall 2017 semester at Elgin Community College with that goal in mind. Unfortunately, before the semester was over, I had to pull back on my studies because I needed to work.

I took a job at a food manufacturing plant as a general laborer and eventually was promoted to production clerk. I was working over 50 hours a week on the second shift. At the same time, I decided to return to ECC in the spring of 2018 to finish my education and pursue my dream of becoming a teacher.

I continued working in the plant while attending school, and I am proud to be graduating in December with my associate in arts. Next, I will be able to leave my job at the plant and start at Elmhurst College in the fall of 2020, where I plan to major in elementary education with an ESL endorsement.

ECC allowed me to attend school and work while being involved on campus. I am a Spartan Leader and the Spartan Food Pantry Officer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. My best experience at ECC, however, was being part of the Honors Program, which allowed me to go above and beyond in my academics and provided me with a different way of learning.

ECC provided me with all the skills that I need to be the best teacher that I can be, and for that, I am so thankful!

• Vanessa Solorio Garcia of Bartlett graduated from Elgin Community College in December with an Associate in Arts degree.