Student Stories: Bridget Tully

Bridget Tully


Major: Library and Information Technology

Bridget Tully’s parents wanted her to attend College of DuPage because they felt it would ease her transition to college.

“I am autistic, which made transitions difficult for me in the past,” she said. “At COD, I could transition to college work before transitioning to living away from home. I also wanted to explore different career options and interests. I thought I wanted to become a kindergarten teacher, but I wasn’t sure.”

She began her studies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it wasn’t ideal, Tully grew from the experience.

“I attended online classes my entire first year at COD, and I participated on the speech and debate team online that year as well,” she said. “Attending several Zoom meetings and studying from home took energy, but it made me realize my strength and resilience.”  

During her first year, Tully also took four classes for Honors credit: Astronomy: The Solar System, Career Development, Developmental Psychology: Lifespan, and English Composition II. She was recognized as an Honors Scholar and later went on a field trip to the Holocaust Museum with other students from the Honors program.

Honors at COD

Tully also enrolled in a variety of classes and discovered a new career path.

“My Developmental Psychology, Children’s Literature and Intro to Libraries and Info Age classes all helped me decide to become a children’s librarian,” she said. “I am passionate about child development and how the media, including books and TV shows, affects them. The psychology and communication classes I took, along with participating on the speech and debate team, helped me improve my communication skills and become more self-aware.”

My Developmental Psychology, Children’s Literature and Intro to Libraries and Info Age classes all helped me decide to become a children’s librarian.

Bridget Tully

After earning her Associate in Arts degree with high honors, Tully completed one more class before transferring to Aurora University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in English. She then will continue into a master’s degree program for Library and Information Science, after which she would like to work at an elementary school or public library.

Tully hopes students attending COD will enjoy the many opportunities available to them.

“I would advise students considering COD to take at as many classes per semester as they can so that they can finish their degrees faster,” she said. “I also recommend taking a variety of classes and joining at least one club or organization.”

Learn more about the Library and Information Technology program at College of DuPage