Sabrina Williams

For Harold Washington College alumna Sabrina Williams, the goal of graduating college was indeed worth the wait.

Sabrina had tried to attend college twice, but her mom’s passing and issues with finances got in the way. She didn’t plan to go back to college and give it another try until she came across an apprenticeship opportunity at Aon. She learned she’d have to enroll at City Colleges to secure the position.

Sabrina enrolled at Harold Washington to study business, and it was one of the best decisions she ever made. She enjoyed her classes, especially business law where she learned about business contracts. She also loved the wraparound support services like the Wellness Center and food pantry available to all students.

“This college experience was so much better than my previous college experience,” she said. “I felt blessed to have access to all these resources.”

As a Harold Washington student, Sabrina was able to secure the Aon apprenticeship through City Colleges’ work-based learning program. She worked as an account specialist for 40 hours a week while still attending classes. Sabrina’s manager guided and encouraged her, and Sabrina felt well-equipped at the apprenticeship thanks to what was simultaneously learning at Harold Washington.

The experience went so well for Sabrina that, upon completing her associate of applied science in marketing, Aon converted her apprenticeship into a full-time role. It’s an accomplishment made possible because of Sabrina’s resilience and perseverance.