Justin Turns Creativity Into a Future in Multimedia 

Before coming to Illinois Central College, Justin was not fully confident in his academic abilities. During high school, he struggled with depression, missed classes at times, and often questioned what his future would look like. 

Even through those challenges, one thing stayed consistent. He knew he was drawn to multimedia, video production, and creative storytelling. 

Growing up around media through his family background in broadcasting helped spark that interest early, but ICC was where that passion became something more tangible. 

After hearing positive experiences from his siblings and learning more about the Multimedia program, Justin chose ICC as a practical and affordable pathway toward the creative career he envisioned for himself. 

Once he arrived on campus, his perspective began to shift. 

Through multimedia, graphic design, and general education courses, Justin discovered that creativity was not just artistic expression. It was problem-solving, communication, and strategy all working together. 

“With video and graphic design, it’s all creative problem-solving,” he said. “You learn the tools and techniques, then figure out how to use them in different ways to solve problems.” 

That mindset helped him grow both creatively and personally. 

At ICC, Justin found employees who encouraged students to experiment, refine their ideas, and develop confidence in their work. He credits instructors like Michael Kaliski and David Smit for helping create an environment where students felt supported while still being challenged to grow. 

ICC gave me the confidence to feel like I can actually make a future in the creative field.

Justin, Multimedia graduate

What stood out most to him was how ICC expanded his perspective and opened doors he had not previously considered. Courses in design, motion graphics, and multimedia helped him see how different creative disciplines overlap and strengthen one another, preparing him for a wide range of opportunities in the field. 

“ICC really changed the trajectory of my life,” he shared. 

When Justin steps into his next chapter, he takes more than just technical knowledge; the confidence in his abilities and belief in his future are things ICC gave him that he will carry forever. 

As he looks ahead, he plans to continue building experience through internships and creative opportunities while pursuing a career in multimedia and visual storytelling. 

For Justin, ICC became the place where uncertainty turned into direction and creativity became a real path forward.