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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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.
Samer
FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO COLUMBIA UNIVESITY
Samer graduated after summer of 2018 with a concentration in political science and then transferred to Columbia University in New York City. He is both a first-generation college student and a first-generation American. His legal status kept him from attending college right away, but he stayed focused on his commitment to attend school with a plan to eventually get into politics. Samer discusses his struggle with math, and how he overcame this challenge. He utilized the Wellness Center and the Advising Office and highly recommends club involvement to help students build community.
Oscar
BUILDING CONFIDENCE THROUGH CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT AND INTEGRITY
Oscar graduated in 2024, earning his degree in part to honor his parents, who never had the opportunity to attend college. He has since joined the army to see the world and gain new experiences before deciding on his next step. In college, he was initially reluctant to seek help but soon discovered the value of campus resources and now urges students to use them from the start. He made use of tutoring, TRIO, and office hours, and especially enjoyed his role as a campus ambassador—an experience he highly recommends. College, he says, helped him become less shy and more confident; he even briefly served as student government president. He encourages students to focus on truly learning and acting with integrity rather than relying too heavily on AI.
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.
Juan
FINDING BELONGING AND SUCCESS AFTER DROPPING OUT
Juan graduated in Spring 2018 with a concentration in science before transferring to UIC to major in biology. A first-generation college student, he left high school before returning to earn his diploma at an alternative school, then pressed on to higher education. He credits his persistence in college to the strong connections he built through student organizations, as well as the support he found in resources like the Wellness Center, student clubs, and his peers.
Sara
HOW A COMMITMENT TO USING EVERY RESOURCE LED TO SARA’S FIRST A IN MATH AND ACCEPTANCE TO SMITH COLLEGE
Sara graduated in May of 2018 with a concentration in Political Science and transferred to Smith College to study political science and film production. Sara talks about her experience first dropping out of college and then coming back. She provides some ideas for prioritizing time while in school. Sara used a number of supports while in college, including: tutoring, the Wellness Center, faculty, and student clubs.
Daniel
BALANCING WORK AND SCHOOL TO GET TO HIS DREAM COLLEGE
Daniel graduated from Harold Washington in 2016 with a concentration in business and entrepreneurship. He is now at Columbia University in New York. Daniel was born in Mexico City and came to the United States when he was eight. Daniel’s biggest challenge was that he worked 30-40 hours a week while in college. At times, prioritizing school meant giving up social time. In order to get into his dream college, Daniel retook some of his courses to raise his GPA. Daniel didn’t use the Wellness Center until he transferred to Columbia. He did however use faculty office hours and club involvement to stay motivated.