Cristian Villalobos

Cristian Villalobos loved his high school experience at Carver Military Academy. He had a great GPA, was involved in extracurriculars, and was excited to continue his education at a four-year college or university.

While Cristian got accepted into several four-year schools and even received scholarships, they weren’t enough to make his education affordable. That’s when he decided to attend Harold Washington College, where he says, “the price was just right.”

Cristian is currently studying Digital Multimedia Design at Harold Washington, with a focus in graphic design. He’s passionate about both art and technology, and graphic design allows him to combine the two. He’s learning Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign—all tools he will need for a career as a graphic designer.

In addition to the affordable tuition, Cristian says he’s grateful to attend Harold Washington because his teachers push him, the Tutoring Center helps him, his advisor guides him, and the ACCESS Center supports him with his disability and reading comprehension.

“This college has a ton of resources that have really helped me a lot,” he said.

Cristian’s advisor was the one who suggested he apply for a role as a One Summer Chicago intern. Through the program, Cristian worked with the admissions advisor to contact students, coordinate placement tests, and conduct tours during orientation. He was grateful for the opportunity, which he says helped him boost his confidence and improve his people and communication skills.

Now, Cristian is working as a student ambassador to create posters and flyers for events at the college using Adobe. He’s also maintaining a strong GPA and has been on the Honor and Dean’s List twice.

Cristian is still deciding if he will continue at a four-year college or begin working as a graphic designer after graduation. Whatever he chooses, he says Harold Washington College has prepared him to put his best foot forward.