ECC Student Javielis Meneces Acuna
Elgin Community College (ECC) student Javielis Meneces Acuña immigrated from Venezuela in 2021. With her unwavering confidence and contagious personality, she knows she can accomplish anything she wants.
“When I came here, it was scary,” Acuña said. “I was only 21, and it was so hard. I remember crying at the first job I had here; it was so horrible. But then I just thought, you know what, I’ve got this. I know the language, and I feel powerful.”
Acuña began in ECC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to improve her English skills, which she already had some skill in from listening to her favorite artists. “I already knew the language because of the music I would listen to, like Ariana Grande and Adele. Every person I meet in my life, I tell them how music has helped me a lot with improving my English skills.”
After completing level 6 of the ESL program, Acuña considered ECC’s Dental Assisting program but was directed toward the next step she needs to complete: the State of Illinois High School Diploma Test. Beginning her first class this semester, she’s excited for this new beginning.
“In my country, I was going to college for economics,” Acuña said. “But, life happened. Now I have the opportunity to do whatever I want, so I want to pick something that will be really good for me.”
Acuña’s positive experience so far at ECC has influenced her dad to join her in State of Illinois High School Diploma Test classes, and her mom enrolled in ESL classes.
“I really recommend ECC because of the environment and the teachers,” Acuña said. “One of my teachers cried to us because he said he loves to teach and knows how hard the transition can be. I’ve met teachers who are beautiful people here. I love ECC.”
Acuña is not only ready but excited for the journey ahead. Learn more about her below!
What’s one thing you do outside of ECC? I’m a content creator. I love to make videos on Instagram and be an influencer to people. Some videos I do are to help people with their English skills.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? This makes me a little sad because I already had my dream come true in my country. I was a flight attendant. Here, I just want to see myself graduate.
Dogs, cats, or houseplants? I love any animal. Plants, too, but when someone else takes care of them! I cannot! I love cats, turtles, snakes, butterflies–I think God makes a lot of good things.
What’s one thing that really makes your day? When someone is funny. Right now, we are here laughing, so I feel that in my heart.
Shout out to an ECC staff member or peer! I had a teacher who was also from my country, and I felt like she was part of my family. Another teacher I had when I finished my second ESL level was there for me, too.
