Erica Becomes the Teacher She Needed 

For much of her early education, Erica felt left behind. 

Growing up in California, she often struggled in school, especially in math and reading. Even when she asked for help, she frequently felt dismissed instead of supported. Erica remembers feeling like she had to figure things out on her own, which made it difficult to build confidence in herself as a student. 

After moving to Illinois before her junior year of high school, Erica experienced something different for the first time. She found teachers who recognized when students were struggling and genuinely wanted to help them succeed. 

That experience changed her perspective on education and planted the first seeds of what would eventually become her passion for teaching. 

“It showed me how much of a difference supportive teachers can make,” Erica shared. 

After high school, Erica originally planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps and attend a four-year school. During that process, she learned about the benefits of starting at a community college and connected with Illinois Central College. 

At ICC, that supportive environment continued. 

ICC taught me that having confidence in yourself will help you succeed.

Erica, Elementary Education program student

As an online student pursuing her associate in arts degree in Elementary Education, Erica faced challenges balancing coursework and navigating college life. Through tutoring services and support from ICC employees, she developed stronger study habits, improved her writing skills, and gained confidence in her ability to succeed academically. 

One of the biggest impacts came through her work with tutor Danette Bartelmay, who consistently encouraged Erica and helped her recognize how much she had grown throughout her time at ICC. 

“She has told me that my growth, from when she first began working with me to now, has been absolutely amazing.” 

Today, Erica sees education differently because of the support she received at ICC. Rather than focusing on the struggles she faced growing up, she is focused on becoming the kind of teacher she once needed herself. 

After ICC, Erica plans to transfer to Illinois State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and continue building a future centered around helping young students feel supported, encouraged, and capable of success.