ICC Inspires Isaiah to Teach
Isaiah began his college journey by taking Dual Credit classes at ICC in high school, which sparked his interest in college. Although he initially planned to continue his education at ICC after graduating in 2019, life had other plans.
When COVID-19 disrupted the world, Isaiah still hadn’t enrolled. He wasn’t sure online classes would work for his learning style, so he delayed enrolling again. In the meantime, he tried his hand at an administrative job, where he discovered a natural talent for connecting with others.
By the end of 2021, Isaiah realized it was time to return to school. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that ICC made it easy to start classes in the spring, so he didn’t have to wait for the fall semester. Thanks to the flexible schedules at ICC, Isaiah was able to resume his college journey at a time that was convenient for him.
“There is no better place to explore your options than ICC. I took extra semesters here because I could. ICC offers so much, the professors are excellent, and it’s cost-effective.”
Isaiah, ICC Student
Unsure of his career direction, Isaiah explored a variety of courses—an opportunity made possible by the fact that ICC has the lowest tuition in Central Illinois.
The dedicated faculty at ICC played a crucial role in Isaiah’s success. Professor Jen Hopp’s film and literature class reignited Isaiah’s love for reading and English. That passion, paired with a reflection on his own challenging 8th-grade math experience, helped him discover a calling: to become a middle school English teacher and make a difference where it’s needed most.
Education professor Dr. Kelly Funke’s dynamic, interdisciplinary lessons confirmed his decision to pursue teaching. His communications class with Professor Joe Chianakas further boosted his confidence in public speaking and honed his ability to connect with others—essential skills for a future educator.
Isaiah credits the comprehensive support system at ICC for his transformation. From academic advising to the library’s resources and instructors’ encouragement, ICC helped him gain confidence and a strong sense of purpose.