Southwest Chicago Post reports: He's a Man to Look Up To

Emiliano Escutia never imagined he would be named Richard J. Daley College’s salutatorian.

Excerpt below. Read the full story in the Southwest Chicago Post   

As the eldest of three children in his family—with a nine-year-old sister looking up to him—he carried that reality every day.  Now graduating with an Associate Degree in General Studies, Emiliano reflects, “I’m building a path for my siblings. I want to be an example for them and prove to myself that I can move forward.”Staying close to home while going to college mattered, too. Emiliano is an alumnus of both Hancock College Prep and Hurley Elementary School.  Emiliano is working toward a future and a four-year degree in Computer Science, with a strong interest in areas like data analytics.

While earning his associate degree and through an add-on educational program with Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), a City Colleges partner, he was able to stay focused and aligned with his STEM career goals. The experience strengthened the mindset he carries forward today: “Keep on going,” he says firmly. “Yes, it will be difficult at times, but just keep at it.”

For Emiliano, the journey isn’t just about degrees or titles. It’s about momentum and proving something to himself and quietly building a road for his siblings to follow. His graduation is set for Saturday, May 2.