Hector

Hector dreamed of being a first-generation college student, but after enrolling in college the first time, he quickly realized the timing wasn’t right, and he lacked the support system he needed to succeed. Years later, Hector returned to school at Harold Washington College with a new outlook and a stronger support system.

“I knew I needed to get this done,” he said. “I went back more mature, with more support from people around me and from myself.”

While Hector initially thought he wanted to pursue a career in medicine, he found that studying business could help him grow his emerging hair and makeup business. Hector took one business class and decided to pursue an associate degree in Business Administration.

Harold Washington’s downtown location, affordable tuition and flexible class schedule made it possible for Hector to balance school while building his future. Along the way, supportive professors, advisors and staff pointed him toward opportunities beyond the classroom, including Handshake, where he found a yearlong paid marketing and communications apprenticeship with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The apprenticeship provided Hector with hands-on experience creating social media content, planning marketing campaigns, supporting advocacy efforts, collaborating on community events, and helping tell stories that advance the organization’s mission to end hunger.

“It was everything from strategy to creativity,” Hector said. “I learned all the essentials to be a marketing specialist.”

Hector credits his time at Harold Washington with preparing him for the fast-paced role. Managing coursework while balancing work taught him time management and organization, while business, marketing and English courses strengthened his writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.

“I came in already understanding the language they were using,” he said. “Harold Washington really set me up to understand the work and be successful.”

The experience also shaped him personally. Working alongside colleagues dedicated to serving others reinforced the importance of empathy and creating work that puts people first.

“I’ve learned to be more human,” Hector said. “Be humble, be willing to help, and put yourself out there for others because you never know what someone is going through.”

Hector will soon transfer to the University of Illinois Chicago to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in marketing. He has also accepted a full-time position as a marketing and communications specialist at the Carol Robertson Center for Learning.

Looking back, Hector says returning to Harold Washington and chasing his dream transformed his life.

“I think the best thing I could have done for myself was go back and finish my degree,” he said. “It has opened so many doors and completely changed my life.”

His advice for anyone considering going back to school?

“It doesn’t matter your age. You’re never too old to become whatever you want to become. Just go for it—you won’t regret it.”