Student Testimonials

Additional Testimonials

• Ramon Echeverria | Grundy Workforce Services

  

   

  "I loved that all the instructors at JJC had real world experience that they brought to the classroom. The knowledge of knowing what to expect in the work environment really complements their methods of teaching."

  In fall 2018, Echeverria received the Edward Valintis scholarship for $1,000.

  Learn how Ramon found success by using Grundy Workforce Services.

  
  January 2019 spotlight

• Carli McGinn

  

   

  "Not only do I feel that the instructors prepared me very well for my field, I believe they are very knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and very willing to make an effort to give their students the one-on-one time that they need to reach their goals."

  During her time at JJC, McGinn was the recipient of multiple scholarships through the JJC Foundation. 

  
  January 2019 spotlight

• Mary Elizabeth Bowden | Fine Arts

  
  

  "I loved attending JJC because of the selection of interesting classes and amazing teachers,” said Bowden. “I was very happy to choose my own schedule. My brothers attended JJC with me and this is where we became best friends. Some of my favorite classes were William Yarrow's Shakespeare class and jazz band. I felt like I was able to find my own creative voice at JJC."

  
  February 2019 spotlight

• Ben Reynolds | Orthotics & Prosthetics

  
  

  "After my junior year of college at a four-year university, I came across the OPT program at Joliet Junior College. Being affordable and revered by numerous workers in the field, I decided that it was the best route to take to acquire the experience needed to continue my education.”

  Bilateral Amputee Hopes to Help Those with Disabilities

  
  February 2019 spotlight

• Timothy Baran | Culinary Arts

  

  “JJC will always be my home. You walk through the doors and it makes you want to be a better person. The wonderful thing about JJC is that it will actually help you reach that goal." 

  Culinary Arts Alumnus Loves Sharing His Knowledge with Students & Public

  
  March 2019 Spotlight

• Donna Miller | Nursing

  

  “I chose the JJC Nursing program because of its reputation and because it is extremely cost effective.  I am beyond impressed with this program and the staff.  The staff really go out of their way to help their students succeed.”

  Nursing Department Names Citizenship Award Recipients

  
  March 2019 Spotlight

• Lamas Alexander | Associates in General Studies

  

  “I'm a disabled veteran with multiple issues for which I needed special assistance for continuing my education. I suffered several setbacks over the course of my time at JJC, but I am proud to say that I will be walking across the stage to graduate this spring. This was an accomplishment that seemed insurmountable a few years ago. Due to the highly professional instructors at JJC I was able to overcome my fears and the anxiety that accompanied them. JJC is a wonderful school of learning with a devoted and dedicated support staff and excellent instructors.”

  Student Veteran, Working Through Injury, Eyes Degree in May

  
  April 2019 spotlight

• Sandra Zarazua

  
  

  “I was nervous attending JJC because it had been a long time since I attended school. But the first time I went the people there were really nice and showed me everything. I still remember that day.”

  Beating Cancer While Earning a High School Equivalency, College Education

  
  April 2019 spotlight

• Alyssa Zadel | Associates in Science

  

   

  “It was a smart decision to come to JJC. Everyone here is so nice and I was able to get an on-campus job right away. I help new students register for classes and give tours of the campus. One thing I definitely recommend is to get involved whether it’s a job or a club, because not only did working for JJC help me pick my major but I have made lifelong friendships with the people I’ve met along the way. Now that I’m graduating, I feel prepared to transfer to the University of Illinois".

   

  May graduate spotlight

• Shirley Crowell

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  “You learn a lot being among the younger students I think. Things have changed so much, that in a classroom setting I do not mind because I feel like I learn so much.”

  For the Love of Learning: Shirley Crowell to Graduate JJC at Age 84

   

  June Graduation spotlight

• Victor Colon

  

  “JJC exceeded my expectations. Coming out of high school, I wasn’t 100% sure where my whole journey was headed. With the resources I found on campus and the connections I made, it really helped shape my understanding of myself and what life has for me.”

• Thomas Gonzalez | Engineering

  

  Thomas will graduate with associate degrees in both science and in arts, which he accomplished in just two years. Gonzalez’s academic commitment at JJC is symbolic of the journey that brought him to campus.

  “My first week at JJC I joined Student Government, the Business Club, and International Club. I made good friends, and friends for life.”

  Driven by Academic Success, Graduation Speaker Found his Place at JJC.

   

  May 2019 spotlight

• Kamil Tomaszek | Nursing

  

  “I could not have gotten to where I am today without such a fantastic nurse faculty to whom I must praise for teaching and advising me on my journey into the field of medicine,” Tomaszek said. “Without them I would not be as knowledgeable and motivated to pursue such an arduous but very rewarding career path.

  Additionally, I need to thank all my nursing peers who pushed me forward and gave me hope every step of the way.”

  Nursing Student Attended High School During Day, College Classes at Night

   

  May graduate spotlight

• Valerie Root

  

  “Not only did I receive a great education at JJC, I was also pushed to reach for more by the support of the staff and faculty that I came to know and love.  All of these wonderful factors gave me the knowledge and power to create my own destiny.”

   

  June Spotlight

• Joe Siwa | Engineering

  

  “I always wanted to work in aerospace engineering, but after high school I was going through a lot at home. I chose something that came easy to me instead – culinary arts. I loved it and got really involved. When I graduated, I landed a great job in the city. But one day I realized I needed to come back to pursue my passion. Culinary taught me that discipline and determination are the keys to success – and now I’m taking that with me as I work on my degree in aerospace engineering.”

  Read Joe's story in JJC's Spring 2019 Connections Magazine. 

   

  June 2019 Spotlight

• Cara Gustafson | Hospitality Management

  

  “My guidance counselor recommended hospitality management and since my local community college didn’t offer it, I came to JJC and got an in-district rate. I am so happy I chose this field and came to JJC – Catherine and Anne are really great professors. They bring so much of their life experience into the classroom. I have taken a lot of what I’ve learned and applied it to the restaurant where I work. The best part is I’ve met so many friends through JJC.”

   

  July 2019 spotlight

• Kia McFarland | Workforce Development

  

  “I first came to JJC in 2011, but I didn’t complete my degree. Last year, after I had my daughter, I heard about the Connect to Your Future program offered through JJC’s Workforce Development office that could help me pay for tuition. I chose to come back because I wanted a job with more flexibility so I could spend more time with my daughter. I work on campus now, so it’s easy to go from class to work. My advice to other JJC students is to not be afraid to ask questions.”

   

  July 2019 spotlight

• Holly Pierre | Automotive

  

  “I am a very proud JJC alumnus of the Automotive department. Mr. Coleman and the other instructors of the program know how to raise their students to success and I will be forever grateful to them.”

   

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• Courtney Schuster | Radiologic Technology

  

  “The Rad Tech program at JJC set me on the path for my current success! The Radiologic Technology program director, Bob Verkler instills his knowledge, professionalism and pride into each graduating class. As a result, I was well prepared to enter into the medical imaging profession, as an x-ray technologist. Years later, I returned to JJC to complete the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. I work as a full-time ultrasound technologist at a great company, and I am the clinical instructor for JJC ultrasound students. I would not be where I am today without the education and networking opportunities I received from Joliet Junior College!”

   

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• Michael Freewalt | Cisco

  

  
  “When I started in the Cisco program I didn't realize how much it was going to change my life. In one year I was able to earn 3 certifications, earn gainful employment with better pay, hours and benefits than my previous job. The professors in this program dedicate themselves to not just teaching the material to each and every student, but truly ensuring that all of their students are prepared for the job market even before the complete the program.”

  
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• Brittany King | Child Development

  

  
  “Attending JJC has helped me reach my goals. I am so satisfied with everything that I have learned from the amazing and knowledgeable teachers here at JJC.”

  
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• Amanda Marshall | Architecture

  

  Amanda Marshall | Architecture

  “JJC introduced me to unique professional opportunities, which led me to find a career that I am passionate about.”

  
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• Nicky Quartermaine Scott  |  Interior Design

  

  Nicky Quartermaine Scott  |  Interior Design

  “Thanks to the amazing instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, I truly owe the start of my creative journey to the interior design program at JJC. Not only did the courses fully prepare me for work in the residential field, but also enabled me to successfully transfer and complete my bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution under an articulated agreement. I even won a tuition scholarship based upon my JJC portfolio! The program encourages creativity, technical proficiency and independent thinking, and as an adult student, I appreciated the flexibility of the classes and being able to attend on a part-time basis to finish my degree. In the professional world, my career has been varied to say the least! I have worked in the residential field designing window treatments and as an interior designer for a healthcare and commercial casework company. More recently, I started my own business working as an artist and am now working on illustrating a children’s book too! I really can’t think of a better foundation for anyone interested in a creative future than the Interior Design program at JJC!”

  
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• Brandy Der Kacy | Cisco

  

  “I’ve found a place and an opportunity to where I can have growth as a human being and in my career. And JJC helped me get that.”

  How an Alumna Got the Most out of JJC’s Student Services

   

  
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• Eric Perczynski  |  Radiologic Technology

   

  

  "JJC provided me with a foundation that propelled me forward and allowed me to succeed in my career. I credit the Radiologic Technology program at JJC with helping me to establish a work ethic and attitude that set me up for long-term personal and career growth."

   

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• Megan O'Neill | Fire Science/EMS 

  

  “JJC prepared me for my current career in multiple aspects. Instead of just sitting and looking through PowerPoints and textbooks, we actually were able to go out into the field and work side-by-side with local paramedics and firefighters to help with patient care.”

   

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• Matt Sackman | Automotive Technology

  

  “The cost at JJC when I went was very affordable and the variety of technical classes and degrees is why I chose JJC. I also worked 30-40 hours a week. The times and availability of classes allowed me to work those hours and attend college.”

   

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• Abida Ali | Interior Design

  

   

  “My experience at JJC has been outstanding. I have truly enjoyed learning from these talented teachers at JJC such as Oksana Alfredson, Patricia Mackey, Gladys Hughes and Maha Abufarha. I feel proud for what I have learned overall.” – Abida Ali, Interior Design

• Maeve Bauer | Science

  

   

  “I have dyslexia. It can be really difficult if I’m trying to take a test – especially with the anxiety that comes with it. JJC’s Disability Services Office helped me learn how to advocate for myself. Even if you don’t know what you need, they will help you figure it out. I’m an auditory learner, so it’s nice to sit with headphones in the Testing Center and have the test read to me at my own pace. JJC is affordable and coming here is a very personalized experience. As long as you’re asking questions, there will be someone who has answers.”