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Since our founding in 1966, Waubonsee has provided programs and services to more than 320,000 students and community members – and each year, we grow more committed to the importance and relevance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI matters at Waubonsee because we embrace the idea that Waubonsee is more than college, Waubonsee is community college. And as a community college, it is important for all members of our community to be seen, heard, accepted, and supported. When a prospective student, parent, faculty, or staff member walks across one of our four campus locations, visits our web site, or interacts with us virtually, we want them to feel like they belong, connect, and relate to the experiences and histories of the people around them.

Growing up, I became a major fan of "fútbol" soccer. My father introduced it to me when I was young. I remember watching my first game with him and just being so mesmerized by what I saw. I would be rooting with him for América to beat Chivas and be ready to celebrate when our team would score.  

At the beginning of each semester, I begin my biology classes at Waubonsee by sharing a borrowed slogan from the Local Chicago Council on Science and Technology. "Science is for everyone." I do this because this idea perfectly highlights the importance of diversifying the future STEM workforce of America. It also creates a welcoming space for those curious about STEM but discouraged because they have not seen representation in the field. 

Last September , I wrote a column about new pathways to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into higher education learning communities. In that article, I offered four practical steps to align organizational culture to ensure that higher education is accessible and available to all. I also highlighted that before the critical work of DEI can begin, there must be an institutional-wide commitment to embrace it. 

I had finally finished moving into my residence hall room at Illinois State University (ISU). I had just said goodbye to my family and watched them drive away. As I got into the elevator to head back up to my room, I was full of emotion, and my face must have reflected that because the man in the elevator looked at me and said, “just walk around this place like you belong- you got this!”  Little did he know what an impact those words would make on me at the time.

In the fall of 2019, I stood before my Early Childhood class and began discussing creativity. I shared knowledge about convergent and divergent thinking and proceeded to ask my students challenging questions. "Does anyone here know what problems the world will face three, five, or 10 years down the road?" The room was silent.

Waubonsee Community College’s updated mission statement describes how the college provides exceptional learning and is committed to enriching the lives of students, employees, and community by working together to discover new passions, share knowledge, and embrace diversity. 

Doing what you love and following your passion is sage advice frequently heard during the graduation and back-to-school season. But has anyone ever taken the time to explain how to discover one's life passion when doling out this advice?  

Here at Waubonsee, the spring semester has come to an end. To every student who has successfully completed all their coursework or has graduated and is now moving on to the next chapter in their lives, I want to sincerely congratulate you on your accomplishment; mission accomplished, you did it! 

As an automotive professor, I always believed education in a community college is a place for growth for people of all ages and levels. It is a place with a positive atmosphere where one can grow academically and socially.