Ana’s Dual Degrees Elevate Her Education 

Ana just graduated from high school, but she is already starting her junior year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She wants to become a speech pathologist or English professor.

Thanks to the Dual-Degree program, Ana completed both her high school diploma and her associate degree during her last two years of high school.

“Everyone at ICC has been so nice; it’s a little community that helps and supports each other.”

Ana, ICC Student

She admits the workload was a challenge to juggle at first, especially with digital and social distractions, but she taught herself discipline and time management.

As a student of color in a small town void of diversity, Ana felt the burden of being a minority. Starting high school during a pandemic took a further toll on her mental health. On reflection, she says she wouldn’t change anything. Facing these challenges with the support of her ICC instructors helped Ana build her confidence. She learned to excel in uncomfortable situations and realized anyone can succeed at ICC.

Ana’s biology professor, Pia Gavino, engaged students by turning class into informative discussions instead of lengthy lectures, and political science professor Barbara Katz imparted cultural awareness through her realistic but humorous approach to world politics. A referral from Ana’s English professor, Margot Vance, also encouraged Ana to be an English tutor in the Academic Support Center.

Even without the Dual Degree program, Ana says she would have chosen ICC after high school because of its affordability and proximity to her family in Peoria. She feels ICC provided a safe, supportive environment to acclimate to college and learn how to balance work and play effectively.

One of the biggest lessons she learned as a Dual Degree student is that “networking and connecting with other people is so important for overcoming obstacles.” She encourages high school students to consider the Dual Degree program, saying, “Your future self will thank you!”