Student Spotlight: Karelle Ilagan

College of DuPage may have been the best option financially for Karelle Ilagan and her family, but what she discovered was invaluable.

"After high school, I thought I was ready to tackle the world and go to a university, but going to COD has taught me that I should take my time and make sure I know what I’m doing," she said.

Her original goal was to study Business Management, but after taking a few classes, she changed her mind. She's now studying fashion with a goal of earning her Associate in Arts degree and transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree.

But her experience at College of DuPage extends beyond the classroom. Ilagan is a Student Ambassador, a New Student Orientation leader, on the Student Leadership Council and part of the Living Leadership program. She also works in the Library.

"All of these activities and clubs, and my job, help me in both my educational/career and personal goals," she said. "I’ve learned to become a better leader and better person overall. Each activity and my job have helped me with my communication skills, which are very important to any type of job."

Ilagan's ultimate career goal is to become the editor-in-chief of a well-known fashion magazine. She knows that College of DuPage was the smartest decision she made toward achieving this goal.

"Every day here has taught me something new, and I’ve met new people who have taught me things that classes don’t," she said. "I’m more than proud to be attending College of DuPage."

More about the Fashion program