Like many students anxiously navigating the college enrollment process for the first time learning about financial aid, counseling, and simply finding her way around campus, Lorena Diaz, had the added pressure of being the first in her family to pursue her college degree. There she was, a first generation United States born student living in Harvey, Illinois, pursuing not just…
‘The Past isn’t Passed’ for Mr. Allardice
Forget the old adage that those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it, South Suburban College instructor Bruce Allardice wants people to know history because of the thrilling aspects within the knowledge. Whether diving into a deep conversation about intricacies of World War II or the richness of baseball, he tirelessly pours out historical facts to his…
Directions to the Hall of Fame
What drives a person can tell you a lot about them. When the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region IV Hall of Fame announced its 11-member induction Class of 2019, South Suburban College Head Coach John Pigatti wasn’t surprised to read Michael Harris’ name, even though he represents the first HOF basketball player in the storied program’s legacy. “Mike…
Many Roads Lead through Community College
Like many students navigating career choices in 2019, Obi Echeumuna and Carolina Galvan found out the pathway to their dream careers in Pharmacy would not be so straightforward. While Obi pursues his pre-pharmacy credentials with the goal to one day become a Doctor of Pharmacy, Carolina dedicated herself to certification and licensure to get right into the workforce as a…
Small Steps to Big Rewards
Like many moms who spend countless years focused on raising their kids, getting them to and from practice and school, taking care of their every last need, Alison Dolbeer daydreamed about what her life would look like when she was ready to return to the workforce. Her pathway started with a scholarship and landed her a rewarding job faster than…
When Passion Meets Perseverance
Echocardiography careers are trending and echo technicians are expected to realize a 22% projected job market growth through 2024 according to BLS. Ammar Allaluki’s perseverance connected his passion for healthcare to the American workforce through South Suburban College’s highly specialized two-year program. Ammar came to the United States from Libya to make a better living for his family. With a…
Unexpected Returns
Joshua Patel was one of the many U.S. citizens who made up the 9.5% unemployment rate of 2009 during the heart of the recession. Armed with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Roosevelt University, Joshua could not find gainful employment, let alone land an interview in his chosen profession. A lifelong Riverdale resident and graduate of Thornton Township…
A Dream Season
What a difference a year can make. A typical wide-eyed freshman college student, Nataly Porras was just trying to fit in and find her place as she embarked on this new phase of her life at South Suburban College in 2017. For Nataly, her footing was to be found on the soccer field. “The first year as freshman, you are…
Keeping the Faith
When it came to his faith, Howard Burrage, Jr., of Richton Park, always knew who he was. When it came to his career, he was doggedly uncertain. Today, at the age of 54, Howard stands as a published author, businessman, and pastor while enjoying a meaningful career in the medical field. The road to realizing his ultimate career passion led…
FAFSA Made Easy
FAFSA…five little letters that all college students and their parents have or will come to know very well. Five letters that are a BIG component of receiving federal financial assistance for college and represent a critical pathway for qualifying for other forms of student aid at most institutions of higher education. Five letters that are yet still ignored by so…