Des Plaines, Ill. (July 29, 2026) - For Oakton College student Joseph Park, making a difference begins with a simple decision: take the first step.
This mindset has shaped Park’s approach to community service and inspired the work that recently earned him the Community Advocate Award at this spring’s Cook County AAPI Heritage Month Community Leadership & Service Awards Ceremony, hosted by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. In addition, Park was also recognized by Oakton’s Board of Trustees for his Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) 2026 Paul Simon Student Essay Scholarship nomination.
Park earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in political science and served as vice president of Oakton’s Student Government Association (SGA). He says the recent recognition motivates him to continue helping others.
“I see these honors as motivation and encouragement to keep going,” said Park. “They make me want to keep learning from my experiences and gradually do more for the community.”
Park has participated in service initiatives throughout the Chicago area. One experience that stands out is a winter coat drive organized with former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and the Wheeling Police Department. Park helped coordinate the effort, transport donations and distribute coats to community members in need.
“Seeing people smile when they received the coats they needed was one of my biggest accomplishments,” said Park. “I learned that you just have to take a step forward. You have to say, ‘I want to do it,’ and then you can make it happen.”
At Oakton, Park brought that same service-focused approach to student government. As SGA vice president, Park helped connect students with clubs and other extracurricular opportunities and collaborated with fellow student leaders to improve campus life.
“Oakton gave me the opportunity to try something new,” said Park. “The opportunities are always there. You just have to say you want to try, and people will work with you to help you achieve it.”
Park hopes to build on those experiences through a career in international relations, where he can represent communities and continue helping others.
For Oakton students interested in becoming involved but unsure where to begin, Park’s advice reflects the approach that has guided his own journey.
“The hardest part is taking the first step,” said. “Go to the Student Center, talk to your advisor and say, ‘I want to be involved.’ Just try it. If you help somebody, you won’t regret it.”
Oakton offers students opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with their peers and become involved on campus and throughout the community. To learn more about student clubs, organizations and involvement opportunities, visit Oakton’s Student Life and Campus Inclusion page.