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.
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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.
Durel
FROM COLLEGE DROPOUT TO YALE UNIVERSITY
Durel, who graduated in 2018, shares how he struggled in college the first time, and how he turned it around on his second try. He discusses the importance of mindset, and candidly shares his experience with anxiety attacks. He found both tutoring and club involvement to be important to his success. Having also served as a tutor himself, he offers tips on how to use tutoring effectively. In his own words, he went from being “bad at math” to succeeding in engineering at a challenging university and he believes you can too.
Em
WORKING TO OVERCOME BURNOUT AND SOCIAL ANXIETY ON THE PATH TO AN ENGINEERING DEGREE
Em graduated in 2025 and is transferring to complete their engineering degree. After high school burnout and two years in customer service, they returned to college with a passion for making STEM more inclusive. They’ve relied on professor office hours, the Wellness Center, and the Access Center. Em has found that college has built their confidence and helped them lessen their social anxiety. They speak thoughtfully about both the promise and pitfalls of AI in school and in everyday life including how they use AI to help understand social cues.
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.