Rosemary Montalbano’s unique career path was unplanned as she wasn’t sure what her future would hold.

“I was homeschooled from first grade through senior year of high school and found a love for school and learning,” she said. “Since it was an online curriculum, it taught me how to manage my own class work and dedicate myself. During my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and dyslexia and had a huge setback. I didn’t think I could go to college or pursue anything for several years due to the effects that both diagnoses had on me mentally and physically.”

After nearly one year of rigorous treatment, Montalbano decided to begin college while continuing her treatment. She started at College of DuPage during COVID through remote learning, which already felt comfortable, and chose to pursue a degree in American Sign Language Interpreting.

The education that I received has been amazing, but the connections and relationships that have been built along the way are irreplaceable.

Rosemary Montalbano

Her interest in ASL was random, having never seen it in use until she noticed an interpreter at an online event during COVID.

“It was interesting to learn a 3-D language on a 2-D screen, but the professors in the ASLI program are outstanding and made the experience unforgettable,” she said. “I loved learning ASL and interacting with the Deaf community, and COD helped prepare me to pass the American Sign Language Interpreter state licensure exam.”

Montalbano also served as both president and secretary of the American Sign Language Club and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. While still in the program, she was hired by Tutoring Services and worked with ASL and interpreting students.

During her final semester, Montalbano realized something was missing and turned her attention to the Hospitality Management program, an interest that started with her mom and sister.

“Growing up, my mom was always such a fabulous host for social gatherings and still is. She is such a hospitable person and I wanted to emulate that,” she said. “Additionally, my sister earned the Culinology degree at COD and was always talking about the food industry. I really liked the idea of hospitality and how it can be dispersed into food, hotels, travel and more. I wanted a major that offered variety in a profession and hospitality management definitely does. I also had the opportunity to intern at the Inn at Water's Edge, the hotel at the Culinary & Hospitality Center. Now I can look for hospitality jobs with confidence knowing I have been trained in several of the procedures and systems used in the industry.” 

Montalbano graduated with both degrees and was named an outstanding graduate finalist. She works full time as an interpreter and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in organizational management with Purdue Global. Her goal is to incorporate what she learned through her degrees into one career.

As for COD, Montalbano enjoyed both the academic opportunities and the chance to get involved.

“Interacting with other people and being a part of clubs helped me meet a goal of balancing college education with extracurricular activities and forming lifelong relationships with peers, mentors and friends,” she said. “Although I have gone through many difficulties in my college career, there has always been something worth fighting for. The education that I received has been amazing, but the connections and relationships that have been built along the way are irreplaceable. Leaving both programs has been hard due to the unwavering support and the feeling of family.”

Learn more about the American Sign Language Interpreter program at College of DuPage

Learn more about the Hospitality Management program at College of DuPage