Making the Case for Success: Michael’s Journey from ICC to Law School
From a young age, Michael set big goals for himself—graduate early from both high school and college, then become a lawyer.
Thanks to his determination, family support, and the opportunities he found at Illinois Central College, he’s already achieved the first two. Now, at just 20 years old, he’s enrolled in law school and well on his way to the third.
The teachers were so enthusiastic about teaching. It was definitely a challenge, but having the resources and encouragement to meet that challenge was really transformative for me. It’s given me the best platform to make an impact in my community.
Michael, ICC Alumni
Michael’s journey wasn’t always easy. During his sophomore year of high school, his motivation slipped. That changed when he joined the Dual Degree (D2) program at ICC, which allowed him to earn a college degree while finishing high school.
“The Dual Degree program at ICC was easily the best academic choice I could have made, and I’m forever grateful for that,” Michael said. “ICC has changed me in the best way. It has nourished me.”
Some doubted whether he could handle the challenge of high school and college at the same time—especially during the pandemic—but Michael leaned into the opportunity. He started college classes in the midst of COVID-19, navigating virtual learning and uncertainty with grit.
“Take the chance,” he said. “The worst that can happen is you fail, but then you pick yourself back up and move on. You have to fail forward.”
Michael credits the passionate instructors and student-focused environment at ICC for helping him grow both academically and personally.
One of his most memorable ICC experiences was walking the Commencement stage alongside his father, who graduated at the same time. Sharing that milestone as a family made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
Now, Michael is pursuing his law degree and plans to return to the Peoria area to practice criminal or civil rights law. He’s also exploring interests in psychology and politics—but whatever path he follows, his focus remains on helping others, saying, “You’re meant to be somebody, you already are somebody, and the world is meant to see who you are.