For Maya, the path to her future didn’t begin with certainty; it began with courage. Now a junior at Elmhurst University pursuing a degree in Music Business, she didn’t always envision herself in this field. In fact, her journey began at Waubonsee Community College, where she studied psychology, but something kept pulling her back to … Read more
When Madelyn P. talks about her college experience, she doesn’t start with her résumé. She starts with movement, creativity, and connection—three passions that have shaped her journey at Knox College and are guiding her toward a future dedicated to helping others. “I have been dancing since I was three years old and acting since I … Read more
Imagine growing up in a community where access to opportunity felt out of reach. For many ACI scholars, this is where their stories begin. With your support, these students are turning challenges into success and using their education to create lasting change. Rockford University student Ashley Harkey is pursuing dual passions in Psychology and Criminal … Read more
As a first-generation college student, Kaydence H. has always known that education would be her path to a better future. “Since I was a little girl, I was motivated to go to college,” she said. But her journey was far from easy. Growing up in a low-income household marked by instability and domestic violence, Kaydence … Read more
Knox College student-athlete Carl Dortch is a powerful example of resilience in action. When Carl arrived on campus, he brought with him a deep motivation to build a better future—one shaped by perseverance and purpose, rather than the challenges faced by his family. “I’m working every day to live a life of success and happiness,” … Read more
Mikayla Zinkel, a senior at Elmhurst University, exemplifies the resilience and determination that define so many first-generation college students. She is pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Biology, along with minors in Communications, Sociology, and Psychology. A transfer student from McHenry County College, where she graduated as valedictorian, Mikayla arrived at Elmhurst with … Read more
I guess it was natural for me to land here. My father is an alumnus of Augustana College, which has always held a special place in our family’s history. Growing up, I took trips with my dad to Augustana as a kid. By the time I reached the sixth grade, I knew in my heart … Read more
“I chose to major in nursing because I wanted to join a field where I could give back to the community. Nurses are key advocates for patients, and I’m passionate about creating a healing environment. Coming from a family of driven women who always put others first, I’m inspired to do the same through my … Read more
Mayra Quea came to the United States as a child from Peru with her parents. Her background led to an interest in learning about diverse cultures and perspectives. That is one of the reasons why she chose to major in history at Trinity Christian College, with a pre-law minor. For Quea, learning about various cultures … Read more
Cameron Steele decided early in high school that he wanted to be an engineer. In school, he liked math, and later he developed an interest in chemistry, and began thinking about these as career choices. Influenced by a cousin who studied theology, and his older brother, Aaron, who studied civil engineering at Olivet Nazarene University, … Read more
When she was in fifth grade, Bethsaida Rodriguez began running for fun. A coach helped her get rides to practice and track meets, and helped her acquire running shoes. Her interest in the sport grew, and she ran in high school. She got a few offers to run at the college level, choosing to attend … Read more
Temilolu Slack is survivor, who is focused now on a graduate degree in clinical psychology from Benedictine University, Lisle, Illinois. Slack, a first-generation student from Willowbrook, Illinois, has survived domestic abuse, serious health problems and surgeries related to asthma/COPD, and the COVID-19 pandemic. One days, she hopes to earn a doctoral degree. Slack began her … Read more