Jacqueline Sancen

When Jacqueline Sancen returned to Oakton College, she wasn’t just chasing a degree—she was reclaiming her confidence and sense of purpose. “Oakton gave me the opportunity to start again,” she said, “not just academically, but with a sense of self-worth and purpose.”

Returning With Purpose
Jacqueline first enrolled at Oakton in 2010 at age 19, right after high school. At that time, Jacqueline felt lost. Her parents never attended college and she felt like she was missing a role model or mentor to help guide her as a first-generation college student. After just one semester, she decided to leave college and began working full-time in a retail store. Years later, at the age of 33, a trip to Europe with a group of friends opened her eyes. “I felt like the only way that I’m going to succeed in life, travel the world and grow, is to go back to school,” she said

In 2024, she re-enrolled at Oakton. She is now working toward an Associate in Arts degree, with plans to transfer to the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete a bachelor's degree in biological science. Her ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in biology with a focus on microscopy or pathology for marine animals. While her passion for marine life has been lifelong, she said Oakton has helped her stay focused and motivated. “Oakton has given me the encouragement and the determination to continue to get to where I want to be,” she said.

Finding Support Makes a Difference
During her first time at Oakton, she was part of the TRIO program. After coming back, she reconnected with TRIO advisors to rejoin the program. “TRIO has been vital to my success,” she said. “Without TRIO, I wouldn’t know if I was on the right path academically.” The TRIO program provides advising, academic resources, encouragement and even fun events and opportunities for students who are the first in their family to attend college and other qualifying students.

In recognition of her academic excellence and commitment, Jacqueline has received the WISE Scholarship, the 2025 TRIO Grant Aid and the Soy El Futuro! Scholarship from the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. The financial support, she said, has been deeply motivating. “It feels good to be recognized, seen and to know that all my hard work is worth it,” she said. The awards will help cover her tuition through graduation.

Passion for Writing
With encouragement from her professors, Jacqueline has stepped into several leadership roles. She’s participated in student panels, showcased her work in campus events and built strong relationships with professors. One professor, in particular, made a lasting impact. “My English professor told me that my writing had the ability to change the world,” she said. “Hearing those words—it put fuel to my fire and reminded me that I’m on the right track.”

A Role Model in the Making
Jacqueline encourages future students to find their support system. “The Oakton community is amazing because they just want you to succeed,” she said. “There are a lot of supportive people here—find the right resources for you and never give up.”

Returning to college later in life has been one of the most challenging—and meaningful—decisions she has made. “Every late, sleepless night, every class, every challenge has brought me closer to becoming the person I always hoped I could be,” she said. “Oakton has given me more than education. It’s given me confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging.” Jacqueline said she hopes to be the role model she never had and to inspire other first-generation students, older students, Latinx students and LGBTQ+ students to believe in themselves. “Push forward: You have a place here too,” she said.