Student Spotlight: Kelly Ptak

Kelly Ptak was looking for a school that offered both online classes and a flexible schedule.

As an adult working full time, she was wary about starting college and fitting it into her schedule. Due to College of DuPage's strong reputation in the community, Ptak decided to investigate what it offered. It helped that she has four immediate family members who either are attending COD or are alumni of various programs.

"I chose to begin my college education much later than others," she explained. "I was a little intimidated to jump back into being a student and assumed it would be a difficult process. With the help of the COD staff, I was walked through the registration process and met with my counselor one-on-one to discuss the path that was best for me."

In fall 2011, Ptak earned the Naperville Rotary Scholarship. She will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree and a 4.0 GPA in May 2012. After that, she will transfer to the University of South Alabama and earn a bachelor's degree in Political Science, followed by law school.

"COD has given me an affordable opportunity to begin my college career," she said. "I have taken full advantage of the opportunities, scholarships and state-of-the-art facilities that COD has to offer. It's been a fantastic jump-start to my adult education."

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