This story was originally published as a City Colleges news blog titled, “Staff Perspective: First Year Experience at Olive-Harvey College Offers Student Support and a Sense of Belonging” on August 5, 2022. When I was a young undergraduate student, I didn’t feel like I belonged at a higher education institution. That’s why, in my role...

During my adolescent years, I was forced to make sacrifices to prioritize the attention required to care for my family. I became a mom at a young age and dropped out of high school when I was 18. I had to overcome home insecurities and depression. But I never gave up. 25 years and 12...

Eric Williams’ future students are going to have a great teacher. He’s bubbly, positive, and described by others as a hard worker with infectious energy and an unmatched dedication to his studies. With plans to become a special education teacher, Eric is currently pursuing his associate degree in education at Malcolm X College. His peers,...

When I passed the math section of the GED, I remember screaming so loud that I scared my husband. I was just so excited about the opportunity to advance my education—and so thankful for the support I received from my Olive-Harvey College instructors along the way. My journey to the GED started when I moved...

Originally from Venezuela, Rafael Gamboa has wanted to live in Chicago since he was 12 years old. He streamed the WGN-TV channel on his television and spent years dreaming of a life in the city. As he grew up, he also developed an interest in mechatronics, a branch of engineering that combines electronics and mechanical...

A lot has changed throughout my life, but my fascination with computers and computer networks has remained constant. I grew up in Jamaica and moved in 2001 to Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, a wonderful, diverse community. As a new immigrant, I worked various jobs, but I dreamed of working with computers. I earned a few...