Oakton Voices Archive

Robert Noia

Published on July 8, 2025

"I’m mentoring students who are serious about design, helping them take their work to the next level. I’m learning with them, and helping them, while still pushing forward in my own career. It’s grounding. And they inspire me—they’re fearless." Read More about Robert Noia

Taylor Anama

Published on June 12, 2025

Taylor was looking for a college experience that was a close to home commute. What he found were opportunities to build community and grow as a leader. Read More about Taylor Anama

Giorgia Balestri

Published on April 30, 2025

"When you have a family, or you feel older, and you’re busy and new to the community, it’s hard. But don’t listen to that voice. You can do it. Keep going—you will be proud of yourself.” Read More about Giorgia Balestri

Dario Castañeda

Published on January 6, 2025

“I feel that immigration law is the best field of law as far as you’re giving back and also receiving so much. When a client becomes a citizen, it’s the ultimate achievement. " Read More about Dario Castañeda

Amayrani Vargas

Published on January 2, 2025

Amayrani Vargas was looking for a way to level up in her career when she discovered Oakton’s Commercial Driver’s License program. With help from the Workforce Equity Initiative, Amayrani received financial assistance—and a whole lot of encouragement. Read More about Amayrani Vargas

Jennifer Rector

Published on December 17, 2024

"After 23 years as a vet tech, I didn’t know if I’d find another calling, but I find this career very, very fulfilling." Learn more about Jennifer's medical laboratory technology journey. Read More about Jennifer Rector

Saviya Quraishi

Published on December 16, 2024

“I haven’t always been a big fan of school, but that changed at Oakton. I just love coming here—it’s so peaceful to me, it just relaxes me. It’s because I 100 percent feel like I belong here. This is my place." Read More about Saviya Quraishi

Helen Hurry

Published on November 26, 2024

Helen Hurry, Oakton College Distinguished Alumni Honoree ‘24, has made a transformational difference in the lives and the communities of those she works with. Be inspired by her persistence and story. Read More about Helen Hurry

Francesca Frost

Published on October 7, 2024

“When you develop a chronic illness after being able-bodied, everything changes. It’s like telling the Flash he has to crawl—you can’t go at the speed you’re used to. My advice to anyone going through a tough time is this: You are stronger than you think." Read More about Francesca Frost

EJ Smith

Published on September 17, 2024

EJ Smith is a machinist at a local manufacturing company who is rising in the ranks with training in computer numerical control (CNC) operation at Oakton. Read More about EJ Smith

Steven Gan

Published on January 16, 2024

Oakton alum Steven Gan knows firsthand the experience of caring for a loved one. He embarked on an educational journey at Oakton, where he found a community of professors and advisors who encouraged him to explore a new career in the medical field. Read More about Steven Gan

Lydia Delgado

Published on December 8, 2023

Lydia Delgado found her path at Oakton as she completed pre-requisite courses needed before her Doctoral in Occupational Therapy degree at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More about Lydia Delgado

Lydia Cruz

Published on December 4, 2023

Growing up in Guam, Lydia Cruz felt at home with the island’s distinctive culture and diverse population. Then she moved to the Chicago area at age 12 and entered what felt like a different world. Read More about Lydia Cruz

Engineering Grads

Published on November 30, 2023

Oakton grads Michael Ciupinski, Alan Connor, Chris Iliopoulos and Antonio Mercado are finding out what it's like to join one of the country's best engineering school in their junior year through Oakton’s University of Illinois Engineering Pathways program. Read More about Engineering Grads

Jerrod Tucker

Published on November 29, 2023

Meet Jerrod W. Tucker—Distinguished Alumni Honoree ’23, Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Hall of Fame inductee and head coach of the Jacksonville 95ers. Beyond his achievements, Jerrod’s story is about the power of connections, inspiring a ripple effect of giving. Read More about Jerrod Tucker

Filza Ali

Published on October 11, 2023

Oakton alum Filza Ali loves learning and understanding systems. She applies her pre-med biology degree from Loyola University to a career in biotechnology with the company Tempus, where she is an operations analyst. Read More about Filza Ali

Julian Thompson

Published on October 2, 2023

Distinguished Alumni honoree ’23, Julian Thompson, Ph.D., holds space for the complex and nuanced identities of the people he works with. Read about his work as an Assistant Professor of Criminology at University of Illinois Chicago. Read More about Julian Thompson