Finding a community, earning a full ride

Jacqueline Johnson came to College of Lake County (CLC) as an introvert, looking for a path and an affordable education. As she prepares to transfer with a full-ride scholarship to Southern Illinois University, she leaves the college as a confident leader ready to accomplish her goals without the debt.

The affordability and ease of applying and enrolling at CLC drove Johnson’s decision. As a first-generation college student, she appreciated how much support she received early on.

"CLC welcomed me with open arms," Johnson said.

Johnson chose to study criminal justice because she is passionate about issues and inequities affecting the system. She is motivated by a desire to advocate for people whose voices often go unheard.

Johnson doesn’t consider herself a naturally social person, so her first semester was relatively uninvolved. Once she recognized the potential to grow as a person, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and participate in student life.

Johnson joined Black Student Union and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, working her way up to a leadership position as vice president. Getting involved helped Johnson find a community she felt she belonged to and develop skills like confidence, leadership and communication.

“Getting involved on campus was very important for me to do because everybody needs a sense of community,” Johnson said. “It makes the experience better as a student. Seeing different perspectives and learning from other people was very important for me.”

Johnson's growth after getting involved was also seen by those around her.

"In 30 years of higher education, Jacqueline will be one of the most memorable students I have taught," said Instructor Natalia Casper. "Her positive attitude, hard work in class and commitment to her education outside of class were very visible and refreshing. It is a blessing to see Jacqueline’s growth from a quiet, hard-working student to a confident, exceptional leader."

Outside of the classroom, Johnson landed an internship with congressman Brad Schneider with help from the CLC Career and Job Placement Center. Some of her duties included answering phone calls from constituents and documenting concerns, conducting research and drafting emails and memos.

This internship, specifically working with the community, is directly related to the career Johnson plans to pursue. She gained hands-on experience in advocacy and public service.

Johnson didn’t have a plan on where she wanted to transfer until she looked at CLC’s guaranteed transfer agreements. CLC partners with a number of colleges that guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Southern Illinois University not only ended up being the best fit for Johnson, but it was also the most cost effective. She was one of 25 recipients of the college’s full-ride Provost Scholarship.

“I saw the scholarship, and I was immediately drawn to the school,” Johnson said. "One of the most important things for me is being as debt free as possible when pursuing my education.”

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Johnson plans to pursue a law degree.