Jaalen Banner
Jaalen Banner describes his time at Oakton College as a rollercoaster. His journey has included setbacks, self-doubt and moments of transformation. Now studying accounting and finance, Jaalen is working toward a future as an accountant, using his early struggles as motivation to rebuild his academic record and move forward.
Turning Setbacks Into Determination Jaalen is working hard toward a future in accounting, with plans to transfer to a four-year institution and continue his accounting education. Along the way, he found a strong support system at Oakton that helped him stay focused and accountable to his education.
His return to college did not begin smoothly. In his first semester at Oakton, he enrolled in five classes and failed all of them. “I was making every excuse in the book,” Jaalen said.
“Before I took anatomy, I was scared—my sister had warned me it was really hard,” he admitted. “But once I started learning how the human body works—from our bones and organs all the way down to the atomic structure—it was fascinating. That made me motivated to focus and work hard.”
As his grades dropped, he began questioning whether college was the right path for him. But instead of walking away, he chose to keep going. He credits Oakton mentors and advisors for helping him find the motivation to continue when he felt like giving up. Hearing others express confidence in his potential forced him to reconsider how he saw himself. “If they believe in me, why can’t I believe in myself?” Jaalen said.
Finding Community and Accountability Through programs like the Emory Williams Academy, B.L.A.C.K. Student Success Program (BSSP) and TRIO, Jaalen found a strong community at Oakton that encouraged him even when he felt like giving up.
He describes the Emory Williams Academy as a brotherhood where students support one another academically and personally. “I get brothers I never had before,” Jaalen said. “They bring in speakers and people who drop gems—knowledge that helps you better yourself.”
Jaalen is also part of BSSP, which he said feels like a community. He appreciates how the program’s coordinator checks in with students and encourages them to stay on track academically. “You’d better make sure you’re staying on your grades,” Jaalen said. “I like that support.”
As a first-generation college student whose parents immigrated from Belize and Jamaica, Jaalen also found guidance and community through TRIO. “TRIO is like a big family,” he said. “We all come from different backgrounds, but we’re all first-generation students trying to figure things out together.” He also appreciates the transfer assistance TRIO advisors offer.
These programs provided more than academic assistance during difficult moments. They created an environment where Jaalen felt seen, supported and accountable.
Reclaiming His Future Through Education Jaalen’s journey at Oakton represents more than an academic comeback. After spending a few years incarcerated, returning to college became a way to rebuild his life and redefine his future. “Oakton gave me a second opportunity to reintroduce myself and my future,” he said.
Instead of allowing his past to define him, Jaalen chose to focus on the present and the opportunities ahead. “People might judge you based on your past,” Jaalen said, “but they also have to look at who you are now and what you’re doing to move forward.”
For Jaalen, education has become a way to take responsibility for his future and create new possibilities. “I’m reclaiming my responsibilities and making no excuses,” he said.
Looking Ahead While Giving Back Jaalen plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a career in accounting. His long-term goal is to become a certified public accountant and work at one of Chicago’s largest independent accounting firms.
He also hopes to return to Oakton one day, not as a student, but as a mentor. “I want to give back to programs like TRIO, Emory Williams and BSSP,” he said. “Those programs helped make my reality possible.”
Reflecting on his experience, Jaalen encourages other students not to give up when challenges arise. “Whenever something feels too big, I tell myself, ‘Small stuff to a giant—that’s small stuff to a giant,’” he said.
Like the roller coaster he uses to describe his college journey, Jaalen believes that staying grounded through both the highs and lows, and leaning on his community, will lead him to where he is meant to be.
