A Brighter Way to Wellness: Rinku’s Story of Purpose and Positivity
I’ve grown so much since coming to ICC. I know I can do anything I set my mind to. The world is my oyster.
Rinku, ICC Student
A summer visit to family in Peoria turned into a life-changing moment for Rinku. While visiting his cousins, one of them, an ICC student, encouraged him to meet with the international student coordinator, Jennifer Lamb. “She walked me through the requirements, and it was all so straightforward. I thought, this might be the next step in my life,” he said.
Rinku returned to the United Kingdom, applied for the Spring semester, and just months later found himself back in Peoria, this time as an ICC student.
Born in Italy and raised in the UK, Rinku was no stranger to adapting to new environments. After graduating high school, he began working full-time while caring for an ill family member. When they passed away, Rinku realized it was time to focus on his future.
“I was working office jobs, but I knew I wanted to study again,” he said. “Visiting my family here reminded me that it’s never too late to start over.”
Rinku began his studies at ICC as a psychology major but soon discovered his true calling in nursing. “Psychology is about helping people, but I wanted something more hands-on,” he explained. “Nursing is both caring and practical. It fits who I am.”
Adjusting to a new education system was challenging. “The first semester was an adjustment,” Rinku admitted. “I didn’t know what a syllabus was.” What made the difference, he said, was the support he found from the ICC community. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve had real, meaningful conversations with my teachers, not just about classwork but about life.”
Two instructors made a lasting impact. Nicole Musselman taught anatomy and physiology, and Laurel Frautschi was his sociology instructor. “Nicole sent me the most beautiful message congratulating me on my resilience,” Rinku said. “And Laurel was always there to listen. I’ll carry those conversations with me forever.”
After graduation, Rinku plans to continue his education in nursing. For him, success is measured in compassion. “If I can bring light and laughter to someone on their hardest day,” he said, “that’s success to me.”