Andrea Finds Direction Through Once-in-a-Lifetime Mentorship

When it was time for Andrea to choose a career path, she knew she wanted to combine her deep love for sustainable agriculture, rooted in her upbringing on a small family farm, with her passion for environmental science. Seeking the right path to accomplish her goal, Andrea completed several college courses at ICC, her father’s alma mater, while she was still in high school.

ICC helped me become more independent and taught me how to manage my time and resources. There is a lot of support to help students explore different options, and taking a variety of classes here costs less than a four-year school. Plus, the smaller environment makes it feel less overwhelming.

Andrea, ICC Student

The transformative guidance and support Andrea received at ICC changed her life and career trajectory. This experience led her to decide to stay at ICC to complete her associate degree before transferring, a choice that would significantly impact her future.

After enrolling at ICC full-time, Andrea was one of four students selected to participate in the Illinois Soybean Association’s inaugural Growing Careers in Ag Mentorship Program. Through this opportunity, Andrea toured the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Edwards, Illinois, where she was introduced to soil conservation and knew she had discovered her true calling.

Andrea credits much of her academic success to the faculty at ICC, particularly her academic advisor, Jennifer Lamb, who helped her explore different pathways and feel confident in her decision to stay at ICC. She also appreciates chemistry professor Troy Halverson, who not only supported her new goals but also taught complex concepts in a way that was easily understandable.

As Andrea prepares to complete her associate degree and transfer to Illinois State University to study soil science, she is filled with a strong sense of purpose. She plans to use her experiences at ICC to guide and inspire the next generation of students in the same way the mentorship program inspired her.