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For more than 25 years, Jocelyn Sanders built a successful career as a salon owner and licensed cosmetologist. But deep down, there were still goals she wanted to complete, like going back to school.
For more than 25 years, Jocelyn Sanders built a successful career as a salon owner and licensed cosmetologist. But deep down, there were still goals she wanted to complete, like going back to school. Determined to fulfill her lifelong dream, she enrolled at Malcolm X College West Campus to prepare to earn her GED while balancing work and family life.
It had been more than a decade since Jocelyn was in school, but she persisted and worked hard in all subjects, even math, her least favorite. In December 2018, she passed her final test. That moment, she says, was more significant than even earning her cosmetology license. It was a personal triumph and a lesson to her children that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
With her GED in hand, Jocelyn set her sights on higher education. Encouraged by an instructor, she explored healthcare fields but ultimately found her passion in gerontology. She transferred to Wilbur Wright College to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Gerontology. There, she excelled academically, graduating in May 2022 with high honors and a 3.6 GPA. She immersed herself in student organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and One Million Degrees, a program that provided mentorship and financial support. Inspired by the guidance she received, she later became a coach for One Million Degrees, helping other students navigate their own educational paths.
Jocelyn transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to study Disability and Human Development. A longtime advocate for mental health awareness and diverse learners, she found this field resonated with her personal experiences. She gained hands-on experience as a direct support professional and later as a job coach, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Now, Jocelyn has once again returned to Malcolm X College to enroll in the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) program. The CRSS program equips students with the skills to support individuals in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges—a mission close to Jocelyn’s heart.
Jocelyn’s story is one of resilience, growth, giving back, and proving that it’s never too late to redefine your future. Through City Colleges of Chicago, she not only achieved her goals but also discovered a lifelong passion for uplifting others along the way.
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