Tamara

Kennedy-King College has always been the launching pad for something great for Tamara. Seventeen years ago, she completed her GED program at Kennedy-King. When she wanted to further her career as an entrepreneur, Tamara returned to Kennedy-King once again. Shortly after starting classes, she realized that entrepreneurship wasn’t the right path for her and shifted her focus toward social work.

“There was such a peace in my spirit,” said about the pivot.

She plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Northeastern Illinois University or Governors State University, where she has already received a scholarship. The 2026 Kennedy-King valedictorian overcame several obstacles while in pursuit of her associate degree and says that her professors played an instrumental role in her journey.

Tamara believes that City Colleges is the perfect place for non-traditional students, those who aren’t quite ready to take on a four-year university, students seeking a flexible schedule, and for those who are still trying to figure things out.

Because for her, returning to Kennedy-King was like coming home.