Destiny Griffin | JJC Alumna and JJC Police Officer"I think that JJC is family, because if I go anywhere else, I'm not going to get some of the love that I've gotten from here since I've been here as a student and an employee."
Learn more about Destiny: First Black Female Officer Joins JJC Police Department
Watch Destiny's Roots and Branches video
Ryan Wisch“JJC is an amazing school. It has a bunch of sense of community. Every group that I've been a part of, I've loved. I've met so many people, and I've made so many connections. I really can't be more thankful that I chose JJC."
Watch Ryan's Roots and Branches video
“I chose JJC because it is so close to home, and JJC has one of the best nursing programs in the state of Illinois. Cost was also a large impact of why I decided to stay home, as I am a mother of two young kids, so JJC was the best option for me. JJC gives me the ability to be a full-time student, a full-time mom and helps push me in the right direction of my goals and dreams. If you need anything, there is someone to talk to at JJC about it! I have such a great support system! From professors to fellow students, the writing center, the mental health professionals, the librarians — everyone is always there ready to help when you need it.”
“For the same quality education and at a fraction of the price, JJC offers opportunities to undergraduate students equal if not greater to that of a four-year institution. JJC has provided me the tools in which to craft my own success through the excellence of their professors, as well as allowed me to explore who I am through participation in clubs and activities. I have been pushed far above and beyond the perceived limits of the 19-year-old who first walked through the front doors, forever being changed for the better.”
Alla Dudash“JJC is a place where everyone will gladly help you and give you the motivation to move on.”
Luke Van Duyne“JJC has helped in creating a very accepting and supportive environment for me to thrive in. I have found resources and people who support me and give me the advice I need to hear."
Kayla Sielken | Psychology“I chose JJC, at first, for convenience. JJC offers evening classes, it is close to home, is affordable, and is flexible. All of this was especially helpful as I am a single mom with a teen at home. It was important to me to be able to still have time with them while restarting my education journey.”
June 2023 spotlight
Sydney Reppy“My most memorable experience at JJC has been my involvement as co-editor of The Blazer, JJC's student newspaper. Through this role, I have been able to make meaningful connection on campus with my peers and other JJC staff and faculty."
June 2023 spotlight
Andrea Barrón“It has been an honor being a part of the theatre program as I immersed myself with many diverse, talented people. It allowed me to take on challenging roles that helped alter the way I think as an artist and human.”
Emily Reppy | Digital Media Production“I was able to connect with my peers in the JJC Honors Program and other clubs. These relationships grew stronger as campus returned to in-person classes and activities, allowing me to create a network at JJC.”
“JJC has really helped me learn to network with other people in the college and even as a person. Networking and connecting with other people in my area is crucial because each person at the college and even in the world have different stories that I could learn from and apply to myself. I've also learned to become more involved at my college and build upon my leadership skills as well.”
“I chose JJC because it feels like home, and the professors here are really personable and help you with whatever you need.”
Iyeisha Ellis“What made JJC feel like the place that I belong is its sense of community. You're surrounded by so many people who want to see you achieve. I also believe that there is something here at JJC for everyone. JJC feels like home — I love it here!”
Ashley Ruiz | Nursing“JJC makes me feel like I belong because they don’t discriminate on your age. As a young professional with small children, it was scary coming back to college. JJC never made me feel like I was 'too old' to succeed. If anything, they were more supportive of working moms.”
More on Ashley: Why Ashley Ruiz Belongs at JJC
Sabrina Johnson | Nursing“Being an encourager and motivator to current JJC nursing students was very rewarding. I feel truly blessed to have had this experience as a nursing student. That’s when I felt I belonged to JJC.”
Alejandro Bottia-Forero“I always had ambitions to become a leader. When I wanted to pursue that at JJC, I felt so welcome to lead. Leaving the college, I can say that I was part of the JJC family.”
David Lozano“JJC has not only given me a great education, but it has also given me opportunities to grow as a leader.”
“The idea that there are so many of my peers in the same situation makes me feel like I belong at JJC; it's the steppingstone I know will get me to where I want to be. There is a resource for every obstacle I run into. I don't have to hash everything out on my own.”
“I feel like I belong to this school because of the amount of help I get from the staff and my fellow classmates. I feel like this is my family, not just my school. JJC has helped me succeed as a student because at a point in my educational career, I wanted to give up, but my coaches and teachers helped me keep going. As a person, I have grown into a responsible woman that know what she wants to do with her life.”
“I loved the people and the sense of community at JJC. I always felt like I was part of a family because of how kind, welcoming and supportive everyone is. I truly felt like I belonged, and that was one of the most important things that came out of my college experience. I got to thrive at JJC, because my professors were kind enough to give me extra attention and other opportunities to allow me to grow and learn. Finally, I was able to get involved, which I was very proud of.”
