Our students come
from all walks of life and choose Moraine Valley for a variety of reasons.
One
similarity? They're all welcomed at Moraine Valley.
“I had
stayed home to raise my son for several years and then went to work part-time. I
started looking for a full-time job and discovered that I didn’t have the
required computer skills. I believe it’s never too late to go back for your
education—whether you want a degree or certificate or you want to brush up on
your skills, or if you just want to take a class for enjoyment. They have
everything a student needs to succeed here.”
Angeles “Angie” Reynoso Pursuing her Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate; plans to complete her
Office Systems and
Applications A.A.S. degree
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and I decided now was the right time.
Because I have a full-time job, daytime classes are not an option for me. I’ve
been able to take night and weekend classes, and the online classes are helpful,
too. I appreciate the proximity to my home, the quality of the instructors, and
the affordability.”
Brent Woods Pursuing his massage therapy certificate; plans to continue his education and
earn a degree in naprapathy
“When I was younger, my kids were my priority, so I put off continuing my
education. I’d heard lots of great things about Moraine Valley, so when I
decided I was ready to come back to school, I came here. I can select classes
around my kids’ schedule. My son and I do our homework together—it’s a nice
family thing.” Derrick Joiner Single dad; studying criminal justice; hopes to work in law enforcement
“I’d heard good things about Moraine Valley from several friends. I really enjoy
the diversity on campus—it’s interesting to meet so many people with different
goals. The whole atmosphere is extremely comfortable—they want to make the
campus fully accessible and give opportunities to everyone. The Center for
Disability Services got me a special desk when I needed it. They also can
provide note-takers and recorders to help people with special needs keep up. The
faculty works with students to provide extra help if that’s necessary.”
Ed Kavanaugh Planning to earn a bachelor’s degree in business; wants to start his own company
fabricating customized wheelchairs
“I thought it would be better to start at a smaller college after being out of
school for many years. It’s even nicer and friendlier here than I expected. I’m
taking a class at the Andrew High School off-campus site. It’s very convenient
because it’s near my train station. I’m hoping to take more classes in Tinley
Park when they build the Southwest Education Center.”
Edith Leno Single mom; planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology
“I’m changing careers because I have my own painting and decorating business,
and I wanted something that would move me more toward retirement. I was very
apprehensive about coming back to school at first. The faculty and staff are
outstanding, and there’s plenty of orientation for new students. I encourage
other adult students to take advantage of the academic advising offered and to
use the Library. It’s a great facility.”
Jim Ryan Pursuing his degree in Radiologic Technology
“After several years doing volunteer work through the University of Illinois’
Master Gardeners Program, I decided it was time for a change. I’d heard about
the Returning Woman Program and thought it would be a good way for me to get
started. Everyone is so supportive. Some of the women in the program have some
real challenges—they’re single, working moms—and the faculty is very
understanding. Although I’d been out of school for many years, this program is
very well-organized, and I felt comfortable right away.”
JoEllen Hurst Pursuing her Paraprofessional Educator Associate in Applied Science degree;
plans to become
a teacher’s aide
“I feel comfortable at Moraine Valley—everyone has been very helpful. I learned
English here in the ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. They have
everything here—a good library and the computer center. I was afraid to take
classes at first, but everyone has been very helpful. They really care about
me.”
Krushenka Miller Recently moved from Ecuador; studying massage therapy
“I’m part of the Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP), so I work at UPS
at night and take classes during the day when my kids are in school. The program
pays my full tuition. When you’re multi-tasking like I am, you need a college
with flexible scheduling. I can plan my classes around my kids’ activities and
be a responsible, caring mom while I teach them that education is important.”
Shareen Clark Currently working on her data entry certification; plans to go on for a
bachelor’s degree and work in loss prevention
“When I decided I was ready to start college, I was a busy mom with two kids and
a full-time job. I needed convenience! I’ve been able to take classes at three
of the extension sites, on main campus, and I’ve taken online classes. They made
the whole process so easy, from enrolling, to getting financial aid, to making
computers readily available. Now I’m setting an example for my kids.”
Nesha Taylor Studying criminal justice; hopes to eventually work for the FBI
“I had
stayed home to raise my son for several years and then went to work part-time. I
started looking for a full-time job and discovered that I didn’t have the
required computer skills. I believe it’s never too late to go back for your
education—whether you want a degree or certificate or you want to brush up on
your skills, or if you just want to take a class for enjoyment. They have
everything a student needs to succeed here.” 
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and I decided now was the right time.
Because I have a full-time job, daytime classes are not an option for me. I’ve
been able to take night and weekend classes, and the online classes are helpful,
too. I appreciate the proximity to my home, the quality of the instructors, and
the affordability.”
“When I was younger, my kids were my priority, so I put off continuing my
education. I’d heard lots of great things about Moraine Valley, so when I
decided I was ready to come back to school, I came here. I can select classes
around my kids’ schedule. My son and I do our homework together—it’s a nice
family thing.”
“I’d heard good things about Moraine Valley from several friends. I really enjoy
the diversity on campus—it’s interesting to meet so many people with different
goals. The whole atmosphere is extremely comfortable—they want to make the
campus fully accessible and give opportunities to everyone. The Center for
Disability Services got me a special desk when I needed it. They also can
provide note-takers and recorders to help people with special needs keep up. The
faculty works with students to provide extra help if that’s necessary.”
“I thought it would be better to start at a smaller college after being out of
school for many years. It’s even nicer and friendlier here than I expected. I’m
taking a class at the Andrew High School off-campus site. It’s very convenient
because it’s near my train station. I’m hoping to take more classes in Tinley
Park when they build the Southwest Education Center.”
“I’m changing careers because I have my own painting and decorating business,
and I wanted something that would move me more toward retirement. I was very
apprehensive about coming back to school at first. The faculty and staff are
outstanding, and there’s plenty of orientation for new students. I encourage
other adult students to take advantage of the academic advising offered and to
use the Library. It’s a great facility.”
“After several years doing volunteer work through the University of Illinois’
Master Gardeners Program, I decided it was time for a change. I’d heard about
the Returning Woman Program and thought it would be a good way for me to get
started. Everyone is so supportive. Some of the women in the program have some
real challenges—they’re single, working moms—and the faculty is very
understanding. Although I’d been out of school for many years, this program is
very well-organized, and I felt comfortable right away.”
“I feel comfortable at Moraine Valley—everyone has been very helpful. I learned
English here in the ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. They have
everything here—a good library and the computer center. I was afraid to take
classes at first, but everyone has been very helpful. They really care about
me.”
“I’m part of the Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP), so I work at UPS
at night and take classes during the day when my kids are in school. The program
pays my full tuition. When you’re multi-tasking like I am, you need a college
with flexible scheduling. I can plan my classes around my kids’ activities and
be a responsible, caring mom while I teach them that education is important.”
“When I decided I was ready to start college, I was a busy mom with two kids and
a full-time job. I needed convenience! I’ve been able to take classes at three
of the extension sites, on main campus, and I’ve taken online classes. They made
the whole process so easy, from enrolling, to getting financial aid, to making
computers readily available. Now I’m setting an example for my kids.”
