Student Spotlight: Cendy Cruz

In sixth grade, Cendy Cruz's mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

During the ordeal, Cruz realized that she wanted to become a doctor. While her mother is now doing fine, Cruz took that first step at College of DuPage, where she majored in Biology.

"I chose College of DuPage because it's where I wanted to begin my journey to success in life," she said. "I knew that COD would be the best fit for my education and budget."

In fall 2010, Cruz received the Freshman Scholarship through the COD Foundation. It strengthened her determination to go to medical school and eventually become a cardiologist or work in family medicine.

"The scholarship helped me prepare for the future in a way that helps me continue my education until I have completed medical school, after which I can save the lives of many people," she said. "In the future, my goal is to find out what causes the growth of brain tumors and cancer and to find a cure."

Cruz graduated from COD in 2012 with her Associate in Science degree. She is transferring to Loyola University to pursue her bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in mathematics. She's thankful to College of DuPage for helping her toward that goal.

"At COD, I had great professors who were willing to help me as well as others. In Calculus, I met with the professor to make sure I was doing the best I could," she said. "In life, we have to sacrifice something to reach our ultimate goal. I am happy that I can go to college and have the opportunity to reach my one goal: becoming a doctor." 

More about the Biology program