Video Interviews
These interviews feature community college graduates (and near graduates) and first-generation students reflecting on their academic journeys in their own words. Each video offers insight into the motivations, challenges, and decisions that shaped their experience—from first-day anxiety to choosing majors, managing work and school, and building relationships on campus. You’re invited to listen deeply, pause where something resonates, and share these stories with students or colleagues who may benefit from them. When viewing these interviews, please:
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Approach the stories with the same care and respect you would in a face-to-face conversation.
Thank you for helping protect and honor the voices of our students.
There are two ways to navigate the video library.
To get to popular themes or to return back to the full video library, use the “skip to” feature below.
To follow smaller themes, note that each video post has tags listed at the bottom of the description page. Click on a tag to get to other videos with the same tag.
Click on the student’s photo to get to their full interview.
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Marnee
TURNING PAIN INTO PASSION FOR SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Marnee graduated with an AS in science in 2022 and now studies sociology and philosophy at UIC, with the goal of becoming a community college president. One of ten children, they dropped out of high school at 18, worked as a janitor, and returned to school determined to succeed. As an evening student, Marnee founded the Night Student Advocates to expand after-hours resources and later served two terms as student government president. Despite personal and financial hardships, rejections, and self-doubt, their peers’ determination—and the support of students, faculty, and a close campus community—kept them moving forward.
Arlin
FROM LANGUAGE BARRIERS AND SELF-DOUBT TO SUCCESS THROUGH DISCIPLINE AND SUPPORT
Arlin graduated with a major in data science in 2025 and is now headed to University of Illinois at Urbana/Champagne. She moved to Chicago from Mexico before high school, and the language barrier was so challenging that neither her nor her parents were sure she would even make it through high school. Her aunt motivated her to continue and now Arlin realizes that going to college and acting as a role model for other students like her has become her biggest motivator. Arlin has faced a lot of self-doubt over her college career but relies on her strong discipline—and willingness to ask for help—to push through.
Yvette
GAINING MOMENTUM FROM CHANGING MAJORS AND MAKING FRIENDS
Yvette graduated with a degree in elementary education in 2024 and is now studying urban education at UIC. Yvette originally planned to go into accounting but found that her passion led her to education. She now feels extremely motivated to be a teacher to help other first-generation students like herself. Although she wasn’t originally sure college was for her, it now feels like a perfect fit, even when she has to make sacrifices to prioritize school. She highly recommends that students get to know their peers in class and attend club events to build community on campus.