Phi Theta Kappa and Beyond: Hanna’s Passion
Ever since she was young, Hanna has known her life’s purpose is to work with children and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Her dream is to earn a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and work with children who have speech delays and other communication difficulties.
ICC prepared me for my future by establishing a foundation I continue to build upon. It is the best starting step for your future.
Hanna, ICC Graduate
After graduating from Illinois Central College, she took the next step in her journey by transferring to Illinois State University to study Communication Sciences and Disorders. Hanna says getting her Associate degree at ICC was exactly the college start she needed because she felt extremely supported in her goals and her transition to ISU was a smooth process.
When Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society invited Hanna to join, her first thought was about how PTK membership could benefit her as a transfer student. She received a scholarship through PTK, which also put her in the running for the All-Illinois Academic Team, and was shocked when she was chosen for the team because although academics have always been important to her, she has moments of doubt in her abilities. “This honor helped me to gain some confidence in myself and truly makes me want to continue to give my all in everything,” she says.
Her placement on the team also earned her the honor of being selected as a Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar with another scholarship. Since speech pathology is a competitive field, Hanna feels these honors will benefit her greatly when it comes to graduate school applications.
Hanna insists she would not be where she is without ICC advisor Jennifer Lamb, who also happened to be one of Hanna’s high school teachers. Jennifer had a significant influence on Hanna by helping her plan long-term goals and transition to ISU. As for her time as ICC, Hanna is forever grateful. It gave her more time to figure out her path, work several jobs, and save money for her future. ICC also presented her with many opportunities she would not have had elsewhere.