Alumni
Major: Criminal Justice
Grad year: 2008
Campus: Naperville
Gustavo's success at Northwestern College continued throughout his two and a half years at the school, all the way to his graduation were he was nominated to be a speaker. During his schooling, he was a 4.0 student, president of the Criminal Justice Fraternal Organization, and a participant in Alpha Beta Gamma. He was also very involved in school sponsored activities. Gustavo showed his school spirit by participating in talent shows, dress-up days, and cook-offs.
Gustavo became interested in criminal justice after growing up in a gang infested neighborhood. He decided that he wanted his children to have a better and safer life than he had experienced. While he attended school, he also worked the midnight shift so he could support his family and create a better future for them.
Gustavo chose NC after touring the campus and realizing how friendly everyone was at the school.
During his time at Northwestern College, Gustavo was able to grow in his criminal justice studies, and connect with others that shared his interests. NC provided Gustavo with the education he desired, in a friendly, personal environment.
"It's nice to be some place where everyone knows you and calls you by your name. Northwestern College is like my home away from home."
Alumni
Major: Criminal Justice
Grad year: 2008
Campus: Bridgeview
Jalye is a wife, mother, and graduate of Northwestern College. Jalye's decision to attend NC came after years of being out of school and raising her family. In order to achieve the career she wanted, she knew she needed to earn her degree. Jalye chose to pursue the law enforcement program at Northwestern College after her sister-in-law recommended the college.
Jalye began taking classes and soon after became a student worker in the Advising Center as a peer tutor. Though the initial thought of returning to school was terrifying to her, Jalye succeeded and was able to manage her classes, homework, job, and family.
"I really wanted to do this and get a job that I enjoyed, so I found the time to go back to school. If you really want something, you make the time for it," she says.
Since she started classes, Jalye's name has been on the President's list for receiving good grades. It's funny because my daughter is on the honor roll at her school so we come home and hang all of our A's on the refrigerator,' she says.
Jalye is also pursuing her dream of being a police officer, with her education from Northwestern.
"My entire experience here was unique. I not only was a student meeting other students, I also got to know all the faculty and staff. I wouldn't trade my experience here for anything."
Adult student
Major: Executive Accounting
Grad year: 2010
Campus: Naperville
Michelle went back to school after 24 years of raising a family and working. Her motivation for returning came primarily from her daughter, who was attending the Northwestern College in Naperville for Massage Therapy. Though Michelle had her doubts, she enrolled and does not regret her decision to return to school.
Michelle began taking classes and after the first quarter in school made it onto the GPA list with a 4.0. The small class sizes and helpful faculty have allowed Michelle to achieve outstanding grades and classroom experiences.
"Because the classes are small it enables the instructor to better meet the needs of the students. Some people are right out of high school so everything is fresh in their minds. Then there are people like me who have been out of school for over twenty years and you either never had these classes before or don't remember it and they [the instructors] are able to give you more one-on-one attention and I appreciate that," she says. In addition to the encouragement Michelle receives from the faculty, the friendly environment at NC makes the return to school much easier after many years. Michelle knows a lot of people on campus and feels it's nice to have someone to turn to who can answer questions.
"If I had to give advice to someone in a similar situation as me, being out of school for years, I would tell them to go back. It's intimidating in the beginning but once you get in the classroom it's comfortable. You aren't sitting in the room with a bunch of 18 year old kids who just got their diplomas. There are people of all ages and I didn't feel out of place. I would encourage anybody to go back."
Alumni/Employee
Major: Website Design
Grad year: 2006
Campus: Bridgeview
When Javier made the decision to go back to school he was a single parent raising his young daughter. He had previously been doing warehouse work, and was looking to move his focus into obtaining an office position somewhere.
"My main reason for going back to school was to learn about computers. My daughter was learning about computers in class and I didn't even know how to use one. She needed help with a project and I wasn't able to help her. So that is when I decided I needed to go back to school. I came across Northwestern College, applied, and they accepted me. They gave me a chance. It was great because I'm more knowledgeable about computers now than I was back then."
Currently, Javier works for NC in the Advising Center at the Bridgeview campus. He is majoring in website design, and has come a long way technologically. "After Northwestern College, I began to realize I can do what I want to do. And now I am doing something that I never thought I would be doing."
Student
Major: Medical Assisting
Grad year: 2009
Campus: Bridgeview
Maria became interested in Northwestern College after seeing a commercial for the school. Until then, Maria had taken time off school to raise her young son, and was contemplating returning to school. She decided it was time to take the first step to having a better life for her and her son.
When Maria started the admissions process at NC, she was thankful for the amount of help and concern everyone showed her. Due to the easy and understandable process ,it made her feel more confident that she was making the right choice.
My favorite thing about NC is the classes. I enjoy them. I get to learn a lot of new things and meet a bunch of new people. It's fun.
Currently, Maria is doing well managing work , her son, classes and homework. The flexible scheduling is a big help to her, and other students in similar situations. After she graduates she wants to start out small by getting a job in a doctor's office and then move into a hospital.
For me, success is accomplishing all of your wishes, your goals. Do everything you want in life and not repent and wonder why you didn't do that. In the end, you will feel really good because you did it. NC is a new beginning for me.
Student
Major: Business Administration
Grad year: 2010
Campus: Bridgeview
Before attending Northwestern College, Brandon had been working and attending another college. After hearing a radio commercial for NC, Brandon decided to research the school and its offerings. Brandon decided on NC and is currently majoring in Business Administration. He is able to take classes during the evening, which allows him to work full time during the day.
In the future, Brandon aspires to own his own business, a carwash. Attending NC provides Brandon with the stepping stones he needs to succeed.
"Success for me is independence. When I am independent, I will have another opinion of what success would be. But right now, the goal is to not have to depend on anyone."
"Thanks to NC, my future is secure."
"The class sizes are small, and there's a lot of help available. It's more close knit, like a family, versus, being just another number."
"I chose NC because of how well organized the school was and what kind of programs it offered."
"I had heard a lot of good things about Northwestern College, so I took a tour. I really liked the school as far as size and the teachers and the flexible schedules."
"To see students walk across the stage is just wonderful. It brings me to tears sometimes because I know what their struggles have been to get through their specific programs. It's all about the student, and I am glad to be a part of what they've accomplished."
"When I came to Northwestern College, the one thing that surprised me was that the teachers actually care about you. They want to help you in any way possible."
"Northwestern College is helping me reach new heights that I really thought I couldn't do before."
"The best thing about the faculty at Northwestern College is that they are truly there for the students, and genuinely want to see them succeed."
"Northwestern College really takes care of their students. It's more like a partnership than a school."
"Going to Northwestern College is like being part of a big family. We study together and we're there for each other when we need it."
"I chose NC because of the rapid programs that they offer. I love the fact that you can earn your degree in less than two years."
"My training at NC has been very thorough. The teachers help a lot to make sure you understand the material. They will sit down and go over it again and again until they know you've got it."
"I enjoy bringing my experience into the classroom as well as allowing my students to go out into the field to see exactly what they are going to be doing."
Northwestern College is a small school. The classes are manageable so the teachers and students are able to have a one-on-one relationship. I know all of my students and they know me. We have a great rapport and are able to communicate easily."
