Let’s all welcome Dayaan to the College Tour. Dayaan jumped in and got involved at Harper serving as the president of the American Sign Language Club a supplemental instructor, member of the dance team and so much more. He’ll take us through all the opportunities students have to get connected and serve as student leaders and mentors. Dayaan, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I first came to Harper, fresh out of high school I never expected to enjoy the experiences I’ve had or the opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. I love how I’ve been able to make connections between my academic interests and my social life here. When I first started at Harper, I never imagined that I would make so many friends and be heavily involved on campus, whether it be being the president of the International Students Club vice president of the ASL Club or even a mentor for first year students with disabilities. Along with the many other clubs and activities including the Harper College Dance, SBO and Theater Program. Harper has truly been an amazing experience thus far especially having the opportunity of being a supplemental instructor for the history department. Harper College prides itself in being a diverse and inclusive community, with a lot of amazing opportunities and clubs to be a part of, with every interest and hobby accounted for, ranging from recreational clubs, fandoms to even social matters and movements. Our campus also hosts a variety of events to make sure that every community is represented here on campus. From cultural events, awareness days, film nights, sporting events, and even dances with charitable causes. Whichever major or area of interest you choose to pursue not only will you learn about it at Harper College but you’ll also get the experience of actually doing those things. All the best in your future endeavors, and go Hawks! Thank you. Now back to you, Alex.
– Dayaan, thank you so much for all you do for Harper and showing us how welcoming and inclusive the college is. There are tons of ways for Harper Hawks to get in on the action with sporting teams and more than 60 clubs and organizations. There’s a place for everyone to find their fit here on campus. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s head over to meet Cassie. She’s in the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program, where not only is she learning sought-after skills she’s an apprentice at a local company, getting paid while learning. She’s gonna give us a peek inside Harper’s classes where the small class sizes means she’s able to connect with her professors and fellow students. Cassie, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I loved to build and take apart things to explore how they worked. Because of this, I knew I wanted to be in manufacturing, was unsure exactly how. After graduating high school in 2019 I started with the Kendall Engineering Program but discovered this is not exactly what I wanted. I knew I wanted a program with hands-on experience along with leading to a successful career path. So I searched for a more hands-on program and found the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship at Harper. In this program, you get hired by a company that pays for all your school costs in addition to paying you a wage. You go to school for eight weeks and spend the rest of the time focusing on honing your skills in the field through the job and hands-on learning in Harper’s Manufacturing labs. When I started this program I was hired by and currently work for Crafts Technology a Hyperion materials and technologies company. I am able to earn money and apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world. Small class sizes at Harper allow students ample one-on-one time with their teachers. This allows them to get to know me and support me in the classroom along within my academic career. Harper has also offered me a lot of opportunities to get outta my comfort zone and represent the apprenticeship program along with my company. For example, I met with US Senator, Dick Durbin, where I got to talk about the value of the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship program and my hands-on experience at Crafts Technology. I know Harper’s apprenticeship program will continue to give me opportunities so that when I graduate I’ll have a job lined up along with a relevant degree. Well, that’s it from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Cassie! How cool is it that you are able to find the perfect fit through Harper’s apprenticeship program and have a foot in the door for your job after graduation? It’s so amazing how much you’re able to learn while earning a paycheck. What a very cool opportunity. Thanks for sharing your story.
All right, let’s meet Brandon. He’s a member of the Harper Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society. At Harper, opportunities abound for high achieving students to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Brandon, the floor is all yours.
– Hey, thanks so much, Alex. What’s good, everybody? People tell me that I’m a super energetic, confident and talented guy, but it took me a long time to become this way and I’m still getting better. Thanks to Harper, I’ve got the tools to become my best. Growing up, I never felt challenged. The first thing to really push me was the theater program in high school where I discovered I wanted to be a film actor. I accomplished so much in high school but my one year at Harper has dwarfed all of it. I was afraid how I was gonna pay for college but my passion and dedication for acting got me the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship which covers all my fees and tuition. And then I joined the honors program, which connects me to people just like me that wanna see the best from each other and seek a challenge. Harper offers tons of honors courses and we have so much fun in our meetings and events. But then I joined Phi Theta Kappa a nationally known honors society that opens the door for even more opportunities. The scholarship honors and PTK mean the world to me. Thanks to them, I’ve met my goals and I’m one step closer to becoming the best version of myself. I’m so grateful for Professor Tomasian and Professor Garcia who are the honors and PTK co-coordinators and for all the friends that I’ve made here. Harper has an amazing sense of community thanks to these two programs and my confidence career and attitude have really skyrocketed. In high school, I had no idea where to begin but learning at Harper has given me a defined path to becoming the best version of myself. And if you too seek the best version of you I guarantee you, you’ll find it at Harper. Thanks so much, and back to you, Alex.
– Brandon, it sounds like you really had an amazing experience here at Harper. Thanks for sharing it with us. The Distinguished Trustee Scholarship Brandon earned is a highly selective scholarship program that covers two years of tuition and fees for local students. Approximately 40 high school seniors are awarded the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship each year. Way to go, Brandon.
Let’s meet up with Yare who found her campus family and discovered her on-air talents through Harper’s FM radio station, WHCM. She’s gonna tell us all about the award-winning radio station and give you a sneak peek into the hands-on learning opportunities available right here on campus. Yare, the mic is all yours.
– Hey everyone! Thanks Alex. My name is Yariksa, but you can call me Yare. I chose Harper because it offers lots of supports for students. I became involved with Harper Radio as soon as I learned the college had a campus radio station. I started my show called the YASMR Radio Show. I brought in two amazing co-hosts. Their names are Gwen and Jordan, two of my good friends here at Harper. Harper Radio participated in the IBS Student Media Awards a national competition in New York. My show was nominated for best Foreign Language Show and made it into the top five. Harper Radio also took home the award for best community college radio station in the nation. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing team. We treat each other like family and Harper’s home to us. I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a nationally known radio host, or working for a Spanish new TV station. With the help of my family and friends and my supportive husband and the amazing staff and teachers I have had over the past semesters, I have become a better person, a better student and a better listener. Taking speech classes, reading biographies from amazing writers and learning history has helped me understand the world better and will help me pursue my dreams and goals. Thanks to all my supporters and to Harper for the opportunity to become one of your students pursuing my journalism career. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Yare. It’s so awesome to see how you can take your personal passion and turn them into an award-winning show here at Harper. The opportunities here are truly endless. I wish you the best of luck in your future journalism career and we’ll keep an eye and ear out for you on the airways. Take care.
It’s time to meet Cole. Cole is a recent graduate of Harper’s well-respected nursing program. Grab your stethoscope and listen in as we explore Cole’s journey from the patient’s bedside to the Offices of Congress all in the name of improving patient outcomes and care. Take it away, Cole.
– Thank you, Alex. The nursing program at Harper College expanded my horizons far beyond the bedside from becoming President of the Student Nurses Association to interning for a member of Congress. The nursing program also gave me invaluable relationships that will last a lifetime. It’s because of the program’s rigor that healthcare organizations throughout Chicagoland know the diligence and competence that nursing graduates possess. Working on the front lines of healthcare throughout the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to change my perspective on healthcare. I saw every day how government action impacted not only my job but also my patients’ lives. Coming out of Covid, clubs at Harper were struggling and nursing students no longer had an active Student Nurses Association and I wanted to change that. So by my final semester, I became president of that association leading meaningful conversations on important healthcare issues. I wanted students to see these issues from the same vantage point I had been developing that led me to take a giant leap of faith by interning for congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s district office in Joliet. There I saw how action in Washington impacted the communities I was surrounded by. That internship and the possibilities coming from it could not have been possible without my education from Harper. One of the most important lessons I learned at Harper is that learning is continuous. Nursing is practically limitless in the amount of environments you can work in, and I’m so thankful that I chose Harper to grow into my professional career. As I look to the future though, I understand that I have a mission and that mission is to inspire. I’m a strong advocate that nurses need to be represented at every level of government, local, state, and federal. And that starts with me and it started here at Harper. Back to you, Alex.
– What an inspiring story, Cole, you’ve put that nursing education to good use. Patients are so lucky to have a committed and caring professional like you at their bedside and know that your nursing education will help you, whether that’s in the hospital corridors or the halls of government. Take care.
All right folks, let’s meet Anna. She has a unique story of how she got to Harper and shares how she managed to balance college athletics with honors coursework and even a study abroad trip. She credits the staff and faculty here at Harper for helping make her transition to a four year university an easy one. Let’s hear it. Anna.
– Hi, Alex. Coming from a homeschool family and as a third culture kid I was extremely nervous for this new chapter in my life. However, I may not have worried and today I am so thrilled to be sharing my experience at Harper College with all of you here. From the moment I stepped foot on campus so many opportunities opened up. I made it onto Harper’s women’s volleyball team where I learned teamwork, time management and how to face challenges head on. As part of my scholarship, I was welcomed into the honors program where I met an amazingly talented, warm and encouraging community of fellow peers and professors. Over spring break, I had the privilege of traveling to Cuba as part of a class studying developing countries. We split our time between Havana, the capital and a small rural town called Vinales. It was absolutely incredible to witness what we had studied come alive. It was also inspiring in heartwarming to talk and connect with Cuban citizens as people genuinely wanted to learn and share. When I started at Harper, I could not have imagined the boundless opportunities, the amazing friends and professors that I would meet as well as the wisdom and advice that I received as I prepared to transfer to Illinois State this fall. Currently, I’m deciding between marketing and business administration, but I know that I am more than prepared to take on whatever awaits me. One piece of advice that is stuck with me comes from one of my advisors, Anna Luna. I was in her office one day bemoaning the fact that I could not decide on my degree and I was feeling pressure from people, and she looked at me and stated emphatically, “It’s not about the degree. Yes, it helps, but at the end of the day, it is you. It’s you that is getting the job.” That’s all for now. Bye, Alex.
– Anna, that was awesome. It was so fun to hear about the amazing opportunities you experienced at Harper and the relationships you were able to build with the faculty and staff. Thanks so much for sharing that.
Okay, let’s meet Bobby. He’s a recent Harper grad who found his place to shine on the stage. Harper provides students the opportunity to explore and find where they belong and the dedicated faculty here bring their classes and topics to life. Bobby, tell us more.
– I appreciate it, Alex. I’m a Harper College graduate and when I first came here I wanted to try an acting class and I wasn’t sure where to start, so I reached out to one of the theater professors, Kevin Long. and expressed my interest in taking an acting class. I was so on the edge about it. I even told him that I had zero interest in Shakespeare but Kevin was very supportive and patient. He explained everything I would learn in class, Shakespeare, directing, writing. I didn’t follow up with him or sign up for several weeks. He actually followed up with me which was wonderful and encouraging. The most important thing I learned at Harper was the fundamentals of acting the use of actions and verbs in order to act. Actors get the opportunity to practice monologues, which every actor needs in order to audition. I still use my Shakespeare monologue from Harper to audition for shows. Students here get to attend shows in the city and watch some of the best actors in the world perform on stages, such as Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Chicago Shakespeare. Not only are student actors gaining experience through doing shows and taking classes, they also get to observe and learn from some of the best actors in the world. I am glad that I started at Harper. I’ve been fortunate enough to find work and sign with multiple agencies using the acting fundamentals that I learned. The most important lesson that I’ve learned at Harper is to stick to the fundamentals of acting wherever one goes, actions, verbs, subtext and objectives. Well, only one thing left to say. Lights. Camera. Alex.
– Bobby, thanks for sharing the spotlight with us. Harper College and the Chicagoland area is certainly full of opportunities for budding actors to explore their craft and hone their skills. We’ll keep an eye out for you on the stage real soon. Take care.
Let’s meet Junaid from Roselle Park, New Jersey who studied mechanical engineering at Union. Junaid plans to design vehicles, creating ideas that he believes other gear-heads will go crazy over. He’s a tutor in the Academic Learning Center, which provides support to fellow students after reaching a high level of academic success. The floor is all yours, Junaid.
– Thanks, Alex. And greetings, everyone. There’s a common cliche with mechanical engineers and still being in their Hot Wheels phase. This is certainly true for me, and Union has provided me with a stepping stone to obtain my education and work my way into the automotive industry. For a two year engineering degree, a lot of the courses emphasize a strong foundation in mathematics and sciences. After all, anything you build needs a strong base and Union provides an excellent curriculum to prepare you for the rigors of engineering. This isn’t always easy though, so you might need some help along the way. I sure did. I was a frequent visitor of the ALC, or Academic Learning Center, a free peer tutoring service offered by the college. They featured 65 plus programs and certificates. After my first semester, I became a tutor in the AOC and it was a transformative experience for me. I met a variety of new people while also improving my own skills in STEM subjects. One of the best parts of Union is the community. This is an environment of hard workers and go-getters. If you’re serious about your education, there are countless people who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure your success. On top of this, the faculty and staff are always prepared to push you to be your best self, academically, socially, and beyond. With the help of the wonderful people at Union, Kaplan, and my family, I’m proud to say that I’m now a Jack Kent Cook Foundation undergraduate transfer scholarship recipient. I’ll be receiving up to $55,000 a year to attend any institution of my choice and graduate debt free. That’s my story. Alex, back to you.
– In case you missed that, thanks to Junaid’s hard work and dedication, he’s attending any college or university of his choice for free. That is quite the achievement and he’s not the only winner from Union. Junaid is the sixth finalist selected for this prestigious scholarship. Absolutely amazing.
This story goes beyond the grave. Elijah is from Rahway, New Jersey and is planning to become a funeral director after completing his degree. Elijah’s a member of the Education Opportunity Fund, known as EOF, where students are provided educational support and funding to help them complete their degree. Let’s take a look at how Elijah puts the fun back in funeral. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Since God blew breath into my body I was called to serve families in a time of sorrow and to be compassionate to those who have gone on. Since I was young, I have a desire to be a licensed funeral director and own my own funeral home. After graduating high school, I knew coming to Union would set me up for great success. Since I became a student at Union, I was privileged to be a part of a few organizations at the college, such as Educational Opportunity Fund, also known as EOF, Project Achievement, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. I had the opportunity to meet the president and other administration who have a strong presence on the campuses and in the community. Oh boy, had I not come here, I sure enough would’ve never met these precious folks. Since my time here, I have seen that there is something for everyone. I have found out about EOF and i has helped me tremendously financially, spiritually, and mentally. Because of these supportive advisors it has led me to believe that no matter what in life, I can become successful. EOF hosts many gatherings with food, fun, and dancing. Their main goal is to make you feel at home. Each month at Union, they recognize different cultures. The school is filled with diverse staff and students. One thing I didn’t know when I came here is how college works, but sure enough, I tell you, I’ll be leaving more educated than I did when I first came as a student. I will be graduating fall 2024 and enrolling it in mortuary science program. Afterwards, I would be an officially licensed funeral director. I have learned so much from here and I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities I have received. Back to you, Alex.
– Elijah, your story definitely lifted our spirits. EOF sounds like a home away from home and they’re always there to guide you. Your ability to connect with with all types of people, whether that’s a grieving family, or the administration of the college is truly remarkable
Okay, let’s head over to meet Alexia from Hillside, New Jersey. She is studying criminal justice and recently graduated from Union this past May. She was actively involved on campus in numerous clubs and honors societies, but we’ll let her share her incredible story from here. Take it away, Alexia.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. Deciding where to go to college was extremely hard especially because I was on this ride as a first generation student. My parents and I did not know what we would encounter but I knew I had their support. My education was the most important thing because it would help me break barriers and inspire the next generations in my family. Union College of Union County, New Jersey had the exact program I was looking for in criminal justice. I was able to expand my knowledge not only through the curriculum and classes, but from professors’ personal stories and advice. I did not know I would have the opportunity to experience this. I knew I needed to remain focused on my studies to excel. My academic goals were my priority for myself and my family. Even through diligent nights and tutoring sessions I was able to make connections between academic and social life resulting in me joining the women’s volleyball team, which opened a whole new world for me. A team here at Union is a family. We’re there for each other, no matter what. I started to put myself out there. I volunteered with the athletic department and managed the home basketball game. The campus has all kinds of clubs and activities that you can attend, never allowing a dull moment. I joined the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the Criminal Justice Club, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Phi Theta Kappa. When I first started college I was a completely different person. I’ve learned and experienced so much that it will always be a part of my story. I can’t wait to see what my future endeavors hold. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Alexia, thank you for discussing the connections you built while at Union. As a first generation college student it is vital to foster those bonds with the leaders of tomorrow. You certainly left your mark here on campus and we thank you for sharing your story.