Lake Land College Magazine: The Major Issue

THE MAJOR ISSUE THE MAJOR ISSUE

From Badge to Bedside: Officer Embarks on Nursing School Journey

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LAKE LAND COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Gary Cadwell, Chair, Mode

Tom Wright, Vice Chair, Dieterich

Dave Storm, Secretary, Effingham

Kevin Curtis, Trustee, Mattoon

Larry Lilly, Trustee, Mattoon

Doris Reynolds, Trustee, Mattoon

Denise Walk, Trustee, Teutopolis

Jackie Schertz, Student Trustee, Mattoon

LAKE LAND COLLEGE CABINET

Josh Bullock, President

Jean Anne Highland, Chief of Staff

Valerie Lynch, Vice President for Student Services

Ike Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services

IN THIS ISSUE

Meet our Faculty, Students & Alumni and Explore our Majors!

AGRICULTURE

Ag Student Credits Lake Land for Cultivating His Smooth Transfer to U of I - Page 4

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

Experiencing Full Circle

Moments: Alumnus Builds a Bright Career Path - Page 6

BUSINESS

Designing a Better Future for Her Family - Page 8

EDUCATION

Seizing the Moment: It's Never too Late to Chase Your Dreams - Page 10

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

From Badge to Bedside: Officer Embarks on Nursing School Journey - Page 12

LAKE LAND COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

Lake Land College creates and continuously improves an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse communities we serve.

We fulfill this mission through:

s University transfer education

s General education

s Technical & career education

s Workforce development

s Community & continuing education

s Intellectual & cultural programs

s Support Services

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

International Student Pursues

Career in Criminal Justice - Page 14

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Leveling Up: Passionate Hobbyist Turns Game Development Dream into a Career Path - Page 16

MANUFACTURING

Faculty Member Sparks

Innovation to Enhance

Welding Program - Page 18

Get Started for Summer or Fall!

Take the first steps by visiting LakeLandCollege.edu or scan the QR code below.

Summer Classes

Begin June 3!

Intersession begins May 13.

MATH & SCIENCE

Earning a Degree from Lake Land Adds Up - Page 20

TRANSPORTATION

Revving Careers: New Dual Credit Course Paves the Way for Future

Commercial Truck Drivers - Page 22

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment that promotes equal opportunity and affirmative action and that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is the policy of Lake Land College not to engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or civil union status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes. This policy applies to admission and access to and participation, treatment and employment in the College’s programs, activities, and services. The following campus office is assigned the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy as well as federal and state statutes and regulations concerning affirmative action and equal access: Office of the Director of Human Resources, 217-234-5210 / Human Resources Office. Complaint forms and procedures for filing can be obtained through Counseling Services or Human Resources. In addition, these offices will maintain current copies of appropriate laws, regulations, and policies.

Fall Classes Begin August 19!

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees and college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment are enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.

THE LAKE LAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

is published for the residents of Lake Land College District #517 by Marketing & Public Relations at Lake Land College, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL 61938. For inquiries, contact Marketing & Public Relations at 217-234-5215. Views and opinions expressed by individuals in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake Land College.

AGRICULTURE

AREA OF STUDY

Agriculture Transfer

Agriculture Business & Supply

Agriculture Production & Management

Crop Production

Diesel & Ag Power Technology

Horticulture Production & Landscape

John Deere Tech

Livestock Production

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Agriculture Exploratory

Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Agriculture Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

FOR Tanner Mickey, the decision to study agriculture in college was easy. Having grown up on a family farm in Taylorville, he developed a passion for the industry at a very young age. Tanner’s decision to begin his college journey at Lake Land was also easy, which he credits to the reputation of its agriculture program.

As a student at Lake Land, Tanner earned academic honors for his agriculture studies and participated in the college’s Livestock Judging Team. His greatest takeaway from the experience however, was the strong sense of community made possible through smaller class sizes.

“I would describe Lake Land as a tightknit family,” Tanner said. “You know everybody here, and you get to have one-on-one relationships with your instructors.”

Since graduating from Lake Land in 2022, Tanner has continued to excel in the agriculture field. As a member of the FFA, he manages corn, soybeans, wheat and cattle as part of a supervised agriculture experience. These efforts garnered national recognition in 2023, when Tanner was named one of four finalists for the American Star Farmer Award.

Tanner also elected to continue his education at the University of Illinois to complete his bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Markets and Management.

He notes that some students assume the transfer process to be a daunting task, but he found his experience to be exactly opposite. He credits the role of Lake Land’s university agreements and the work of his former advisor, Ryan Wildman, for helping him seamlessly discover his next steps.

“Transferring was the easiest process you could ever think of,” Tanner said. “I didn’t even have my university choice narrowed down while I was here, but my advisor made sure I got all the right classes I needed to give me a lot of different options for a smooth transfer.”

After he graduates from the University of Illinois in May, Tanner is eager to return home and work with his family on the same farm where he was raised. One day, he hopes to take over the business full time and carry on the legacy his family built. Wherever life leads, however, he is thankful that Lake Land provided a first step toward his dream career.

“Some people give community college a bad rap, but I certainly think it made me more prepared for my time at the University of Illinois,” Tanner said. “It let me get my feet wet before taking the jump to a university, and I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t gone to Lake Land first.”

“Transferring was the easiest process you could ever think of. I didn’t even have my university choice narrowed down while I was here, but my advisor made sure I got all the right classes I needed to give me a lot of different options for a smooth transfer.”

-Mickey

AGRICULTURE

Ag Student Credits Lake Land for Cultivating His Smooth Transfer to U of I

“I was able to graduate from Lake Land with no debt, and if I hadn’t started at Lake Land, I’m not sure I would have been able to pull off those two extra years to get my master’s in architecture."

-Hoene

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION

Experiencing Full Circle Moments: Alumnus Builds a Bright Career Path

FOR Lake Land College alumnus

Garrett Hoene, the best part of being an architectural designer is experiencing the “full circle” moments. They’re the moments that occur when he enters buildings and crosses bridges he helped make possible. As a designer for Lamar Johnson Collaborative in Chicago, Garrett has worked with some of the world’s largest companies to experience these full circle moments across the country. No two projects are ever the same, and he enjoys the process of working with clients from concept to completion.

Looking back at the start of his architectural journey, Garrett recalls discovering his interest in the field during his first semester at Lake Land in 2016. He had enrolled at the college with no specific program choice, but he quickly found a home the in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program.

Garrett rapidly gained confidence and developed his skills as he progressed through his classes and accessed local internship opportunities with UTZ and Associates of Effingham and the Upchurch Group of Mattoon. Through these experiences, he completed projects at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and helped renovate schools throughout Mattoon, Charleston, Teutopolis and Dieterich.

After graduating with an associate degree in CAD and completing additional transfer classes, Garrett enrolled at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 2019. There, he completed a bachelor’s degree in architecture and graduated with a master’s in 2023.

“I was able to graduate from Lake Land with no debt, and if I hadn’t started at Lake Land, I’m not sure I would have been able to pull off those two extra years to get my master’s in architecture,” Garrett said.

Now thriving in the professional world, Garrett plans to complete the requirements to become a licensed architect within the next five years. With countless projects, accomplishments and milestones ahead of him, his journey is only beginning. Still, he’s come a long way from his days as an uncertain student entering the college environment for the first time, and he’s glad to have chosen Lake Land College as the stepping stone for his career.

“The idea of college can be scary, but by going to Lake Land, I got to understand the process and feel comfortable moving forward,” Garrett said. “I got to work with a lot of great advisors who made me feel safe about going to college.”

ARCHITECTURAL & CONSTRUCTION AREA OF STUDY

Building Construction Technology

CET/Advanced Technical Studies

Civil Engineering Technology

Computer Aided Design

Geospatial Technology

HVAC+R

Residential Wiring

Surveying with GIS

Architectural & Construction

Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Architectural & Construction Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

“[My kids] have been there to cheer me on and celebrate the wins, and they have been there to wipe my tears and remind me that it’s okay to have bad days as long as I keep going…If they are proud of me, how can I not be?”

-Dickenson

BUSINESS Designing a Better Future for Her Family

THE following are excerpts from an essay written by Lake Land College alumna and 2023 Non-Traditional Student of the Year Nominee Christina Dickenson. Christina graduated from Lake Land in 2023 with an associate degree in IT-Graphic Design, which she uses today as a graphic designer for Pro-Shot Products in Taylorville.

I started back to school at one of the most uncertain times in my life. I was in the middle of a divorce and trying to navigate life as a newly single mom of three children, one of whom was only two months old.

Up until then I had been a stay-athome mom. I had wanted to go back to school for a very long time and even filed my intent to enroll multiple times, but I backed out before registering for classes because I was always made to feel like I couldn’t do it… I would get so discouraged that I just gave up before I even got started…. I was terrified that I would fail, but I knew that I had to be brave enough to take a chance on myself.

Christina started at Lake Land College in Fall 2018, taking classes to fulfill the pre-requisite requirements to study respiratory care. Just as she was building

confidence and accomplishing her goals, she faced significant setbacks, including the COVID pandemic.

I decided to switch my major to something I felt more comfortable learning online if need be. I chose graphic design. Though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, I quickly found that I had a real passion for it. I really loved what I was learning.

This final year wasn’t the easiest either… but my instructors were very understanding, for which I am so grateful. I have finally made it. It was a much longer journey than I anticipated and one that was full of ups and downs and a lot of twists and turns, but I’ve proven to myself that I could do it.

I am proud that I did it with little eyes watching and learning that they too can do anything they set their minds to. My kids have watched me fight through every single struggle. They have been there to cheer me on and celebrate the wins, and they have been there to wipe my tears and remind me that it’s okay to have bad days as long as I keep going… May 12, 2023, my babies proudly watched their mom graduate. If they are proud of me, how can I not be?

BUSINESS AREA OF STUDY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Accounting

Business

Business Development

Electronic Marketing

Entrepreneurship

Management

Marketing

Professional Sales

Retail Management

Business Management

Exploratory Area of Study

BUSINESS OFFICE

PROFESSIONALS

Court Reporting and Captioning

Medical Coding & Health

Information

Medical Coding Specialist

Medical Transcriptionist

Office Assistant

Office Manager

Office Receptionist

Office Support Specialist

Office Professionals Exploratory

Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information

or to get started in a Business Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

“The differences in age with my classmates are interesting and even funny sometimes, but I do feel like I fit in. They’re all getting up every day, coming to school and working toward a goal, just like me.”

-Cornell

EDUCATION

Seizing the Moment: It's Never too Late to Chase Your Dreams

WHEN Holly Cornell arrived at Lake Land’s campus to sign up for classes ahead of the Fall 2022 semester, she faced the prospect of becoming a college student for the first time in 23 years. An hour passed since her arrival, and still Holly stood outside, mulling the life-changing choice ahead of her.

“I just stood there wondering if I should do this,” Holly recounted. “Eventually, I told myself, ‘You can change your mind later. Right now, just jump.’”

Holly initially attended the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago after graduating from Cumberland High School in 1999. Amidst the bustle and bright lights of the city, however, she found herself longing for the familiar peace and starry skies of her hometown. These college experiences, in addition to a family housefire, helped Holly determine her identify and eventually led to her decision to leave the school early.

Many years later, Holly’s life forever changed when she experienced the joys of motherhood and consequently discovered a hidden passion. Through the creative activities she prepared for her own children, she recognized her love for educating youth and decided to pursue a career.

After considering her options, Holly identified Lake Land’s Early Childhood Education program as the best route to pursue this passion. Still, the idea of returning to school for the first time in more than 20 years filled her mind with doubt and left her hesitant to sign up for classes on that fateful day in 2022. She could have turned around and gone home. Instead, she took the jump.

Since then, Holly has discovered a community at Lake Land that embraces nontraditional students and provides a pathway for all learners to accomplish their goals. Her life experience gives her a unique perspective in the classroom, and she enjoys interacting with instructors and younger students who share her ambitions.

Despite her doubts about returning to school, Holly has excelled with a 4.0 GPA and multiple Non-traditional Student of the Year nominations. Every struggle and triumph along the way is weaving an incredible story, one she hopes will inspire her children when they grow old enough to understand.

“I’m putting together a personal portfolio, with pictures and everything, so my children can look back and see what their mom did.” Holly explained. “I want my children to be proud of me, and I want them to know that, if they’re willing to put the work in, they can do whatever it is that makes them happy.”

EDUCATION

AREA OF STUDY

Business Education

Early Childhood Care & Education

Early Childhood Education

Elementary Education

Health Education

Mathematics Education

Nanny Child Care Provider

Paraprofessional Education

Paraprofessional Educator

Physical Education

Secondary Education-Biology

Secondary Education-Chemistry

Secondary Education-Physics

Special Education

Education Exploratory

Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in an Education Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

AREA OF STUDY

HEALTH SERVICES

Associate Degree Nurse

Basic Nurse Assisting

Dental Hygiene

Emergency Medical Services

Massage Therapy

Medical Assistant

Paramedical Services

Physical Therapist Assistant

Practical Nursing

Surgical Technology

Health Services Exploratory

Area of Study

PUBLIC SERVICES

Cosmetology

Cosmetology Teacher

Crime Scene Technician

Criminal Justice Leadership

Esthetics

Fire Science Management

Human Services

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Operations

Public Services Exploratory

Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Health & Public Services

Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

ROLANDO Monte de Oca never thought he would be studying nursing at Lake Land College, but over the years, he’s found that the best opportunities are sometimes the least expected.

That lesson first became apparent when Rolando became an officer for the Mattoon Police Department. He previously spent his college days playing soccer for multiple schools across the country, finally settling in at Eastern Illinois to complete bachelor’s degrees in both biology and neuroscience. At the time, becoming a police officer was hardly on Rolando’s radar, but he later found himself drawn to the idea when a position became available in Mattoon.

“I never thought I’d be doing this,” Rolando said. “But sometimes you just run into things you never thought in a million years would make you this happy.”

After discovering a passion for serving his community as an officer, Rolando decided to enhance his work by enrolling in Lake Land’s registered nursing program. The beauty of nursing, as Rolando describes it, is its relevance to a wide range of occupations. For a police officer and first responder, a nursing education is a tool to perform

effective sobriety testing and potentially provide life-saving care at the scene of an incident.

Rolando embraces the extensive duties of being both a full-time police officer and nursing student, all while prioritizing his responsibilities as a husband and father. He draws inspiration from his grandfather’s work ethic as a first-generation American, and he hopes to provide similar inspiration to his own son. He gives most credit, however, to his wife for serving as his teammate through the journey and picking him up with every stumble.

As Rolando prepares to graduate in May 2024, he looks forward to officially earning his nursing license, expanding his impact as an officer and finding the next unexpected adventure that awaits. Of all his college studies, he considers nursing to be the most rigorous, and he is confident that his time at Lake Land College has prepared him to better serve the community he loves.

“Becoming a nurse at Lake Land is the same level of intensity and the same level of privilege when you’re done as you’re going to get anywhere else,” Rolando said. “I’ve been around to different schools, and the biggest difference here is the price. You don’t get what you pay for here. You get more.”

“Becoming a nurse at Lake Land is the same level of intensity and the same level of privilege when you’re done as you’re going to get anywhere else. I’ve been around to different schools, and the biggest difference here is the price. You don’t get what you pay for here. You get more.”

-Monte de Oca

HEALTH & PUBLIC SERVICES

From Badge to Bedside: Officer Embarks on Nursing School Journey

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES AREA OF STUDY

Art

Broadcast Announcing

Broadcast Communications

Communication Studies

Criminal Justice Economics

English History

Liberal Studies

Political Science

Psychology

Radio Broadcasting

Social Science Education

Sociology/Social Work

TV Field-Studio Production

Humanities & Social Science

Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Humanities & Social Science

Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

AS A STUDENT in Lake Land’s Criminal Justice Program, Noella Kasera is taking the first steps toward a larger goal.

Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Noella witnessed the effects of conflicts that have persisted in her country for nearly 30 years. In 2022, she journeyed to the United States with the plan of earning a law degree before returning home and defending the innocent.

“It hurts to see those things happening, and that became my motivation to do law school,” Noella said. “I want to help those people who need it and defend them.”

Even with her determination, Noella knew that she would face significant challenges as an international college student. Her knowledge of the English language was limited, and she expected to feel alone in an unfamiliar place.

These worries were quickly relieved when Noella arrived at Lake Land College in Fall 2022. While many schools offer programs for international students, Noella states that Lake Land’s unique support made it a clear choice to begin her studies.

“Lake Land offers benefits that I don’t hear about other schools offering from

what my friends say,” Noella said. “It’s also one of the only colleges that welcomes international students who don’t speak English. Here, they have programs for us to learn English first and get comfortable with that before starting in our main programs.”

Now fully engrossed in the Criminal Justice program, Noella said that learning the ins and outs of law enforcement will provide a strong foundation for her future studies. On pace to graduate in Spring 2025, she plans to eventually transfer to a university and complete a bachelor’s degree in political science before attending law school.

Despite the challenges of attending a college so far away from home, Noella has thrived in her course work and has grown into a leader among her peers. In 2023, she was nominated for the Nontraditional Student of the Year award in recognition of her determination and accomplishments.

While Noella still has a long journey ahead of her, she is glad that it began with a community of love and support at Lake Land College.

“People here are friendly and kind,” Noella said. “They understand that this is different to me, and they try to make me feel at home.”

"Lake Land offers benefits that I don’t hear about other schools offering... they understand that this is different to me, and they try to make me feel at home.”

-Kasera

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCE

International Student Pursues Career in Criminal Justice

"The program is very flexible, especially as you get into advanced game development. The instructors are there to talk you through things and help you...create projects and assignments of your own.”

-Hoene

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Leveling Up: Passionate Hobbyist Turns Game Development Dream into a Career Path

BY STUDYING web design and computer game development at Lake Land College, Gage Hoene seeks to turn his hobbies into a rewarding career.

“I’ve always liked playing video games, and I figured it’s a pretty big industry to get into,” Gage said. “I’ve taught myself a lot over the years just because I’m always tinkering on my computer, but my understanding has really grown since I started here.”

During his time at Lake Land, Gage has developed his skills on industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Unity and GameMaker Studio. He has used these programs to design dynamic logos, webpages and even a variety of video games from scratch. It all hinges on creativity and a little patience, and he is thankful for instructors like Brett Sawyer who provide students the freedom to dream big.

“The program is very flexible, especially as you get into advanced game development,” Gage explained. "That’s really important with something like game development, because you usually learn more when you’re having fun with new ideas rather than following something rigid.”

After he graduates from Lake Land in May, Gage is looking forward to

exploring the wide range of options available with his education and skillset.

He is open to the idea of working with a large video game development studio, but his eventual goal is to use his knowledge to design and publish games of his own. He also notes that the program taught him advanced videoediting techniques that he enjoys using to document and share his adventures in game design.

“I made videos before, but I was in middle school and didn’t know what I was doing,” Gage said with a chuckle.

“Now I’m getting to really learn digital effects, and that’s been a big part of the program for me. I have a YouTube channel where I like to post videos about making games, so it’d be really cool to get that ball rolling even more.”

While Gage is eager for the next steps in his journey, he is also thankful for the time he spent at Lake Land. As prospective students make their educational plans, he encourages them not to overlook the many benefits of a local community college.

“I live in Mattoon, so you can’t beat the convenience and price of starting here,” Gage explained. “If you’re on the fence, just go for it. The campus is great and the environment you get with smaller classes is really nice."

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

AREA OF STUDY

Computer Systems

Computer Technician

Desktop Publishing

IT – Computer Applications Specialist

IT – Computer Game Development

IT – Digital Media Specialist

IT – Graphic Design

IT – Network Administration

IT – Programming

IT – Technician

IT – Web Design

Information Technology Exploratory

Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information

or to get started in an

Information Technology

Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

MANUFACTURING AREA OF STUDY

Applied Engineering Technology

Electronic Control Technician

Electronics Engineering Technology

Industrial Maintenance

Manufacturing Skills

Mechanical-Electrical Technology

Programmable Logic Controllers

Renewable Energy

Robotic and CIM Automation

Sustainable Energy

Welding

Manufacturing Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Manufacturing Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

WELDING Instructor/Coordinator

James Crowder likes to challenge his students on test day with a deceptively difficult extra credit question: “What is one thing that we use that has not been touched by a welder in one way, shape or form?”

With this question, Crowder seeks to combat the common notion that welding is a limited trade, synonymous with nothing more than messy workshops and grimy equipment. In fact, he stresses that no industry can survive without the work of skilled welders, leading to far more career possibilities within the field than one may expect.

“There’s really no end to what type of job you can have and what type of environment you can work in as a welder,” Crowder explained. “These days, you can even weld together computer parts from an office cubicle.”

Growing up in Paxton, Illinois, Crowder was first introduced to welding through his grandfather’s trucking and excavating businesses. From here, he developed a fascination for the field and ultimately decided to pursue a welding career of his own. As a professional welder, Crowder worked across the globe in a wide range of settings for companies such as Exxon Mobil, Westinghouse Electric, GE-Hitachi and many more.

After retiring, Crowder shifted his focus to helping the next generation of welders and joined Lake Land College as the welding instructor and program coordinator before the Fall 2023 semester. In just his short time in this role, he has made a lasting impact on the program and become a beloved mentor to his students. He shares with them a unique mindset, one he describes as equal parts artist and mechanic. And, while he admits that the welding skills are difficult to master, he enjoys seeing his students learn and grow throughout the process.

“It’s a little like riding a bike,” Crowder said. “They might stumble a bit when the training wheels come off, but seeing them finally grasp it and take off is such a rewarding feeling.”

Moving forward, Crowder is eager to find new ways to develop and enhance the welding program. His goal is to set a new standard for welding programs in general, creating the greatest student experience possible and demonstrating the full capabilities of the field.

“We want to stand out and build this up into a world-class program,” Crowder said. “And in that process, we want to become a leader among all welding programs.”

"We want to stand out and build this up into a world-class program and in that process, we want to become a leader among all welding programs.”

-Crowder

MATH & SCIENCE

AREA OF STUDY

Bioscience Non-Teaching Chemistry

Clinical Laboratory Science

Conservation

Earth Science

Engineering Science

Environmental Science

Mathematics Physics

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Dental

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nursing: BSN Transfer

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Math and Science Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Math & Science Area of Study visit LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

LAKE LAND student Macy Probst is set to graduate in May 2024 with an Associate in Engineering degree, but that career path was not always the obvious choice.

After graduating from Teutopolis High School in 2022, Macy contemplated a wide range of possible career trajectories. Engineering was among her initial considerations, along with biology and nursing, but she knew she wanted to attend a school that would provide her the flexibility to explore.

“I didn’t want to feel locked into a $40,000 degree that I don’t like,” Macy explained. “The main reason I chose Lake Land was because I knew I would have the freedom here to change my mind without it being a big deal.”

Macy opted to try nursing when she first started at Lake Land, but it took her just one semester to decide it was not the right fit. She then utilized the freedom and flexibility that made Lake Land so attractive in the first place and switched her major to engineering.

Making this adjustment came with its fair share of challenges and forced Macy to change her approach to learning. She describes the application of complex engineering formulas as navigating “a different language,” but she finds

satisfaction in working through the process to reach the correct answer.

Macy also notes that the complexity of Lake Land’s engineering program discredits common misconceptions about the quality of community college. In fact, she argues that the community college structure offers many advantages that have helped her master the challenging engineering topics.

“The classes here are by no means any easier than what you’ll find at a four-year school, but I do think community college makes it easier to do well in them,” Macy explained. “It’s easy to ask questions and really learn the material when you’re in smaller classes and you know your teachers on a personal level.”

After graduating from Lake Land, Macy plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and complete a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. As she prepares to take the next steps, she is thankful for Lake Land’s role in helping her find the right career path as an uncertain high school graduate.

“College can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what you want to do,” Macy said. “Lake Land was a perfect start for me, and my bank account is loving me for it.”

"Lake Land was a perfect start for me, and my bank account is loving me for it.”

-Probst

MATH & SCIENCE

Earning a Degree from Lake Land Adds Up

TRANSPORTATION

"The dual credit format really gives students a head-start toward a successful career...and when those skills are in such high demand, that’s a win for everyone."

-Onigkeit

Revving Careers: New Dual Credit Course Paves the Way for Future Commercial Truck Drivers

EVERY year, more than 1,000 jobs are available for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders throughout the Lake Land College district. The truck-driving industry is already the largest in the local economic region, and it is rapidly expanding to include new career fields.

As the Lake Land College Transportation Training Coordinator, Justin Onigkeit has seen these trends provide students with new opportunities in unexpected fields. Many electrical lineman positions and agriculture careers, for instance, now require CDL completion.

“More and more, we’re finding it’s not just about the traditional over-the-road career,” Onigkeit said. “There are so many applications that require a CDL.”

In response to this local demand, Lake Land College is opening its CDL program up to high school students through a new dual credit CDL Theory course. This one-semester class allows students to complete the first portion of the federally-required Entry-Level Driver Training program, all while building essential skills for employment and exploring high-demand career opportunities.

After completing the theory course, students will have the knowledge needed to obtain a CDL permit with the Illinois Secretary of State and enroll in Behind-the-Wheel training. By getting ahead with the dual credit course, students can complete the Behind-the-Wheel program the summer immediately following high school graduation and receive their CDL.

The entry-level dual credit class will first be offered in Fall 2024 at Lake Land’s recently-acquired Effingham Technology Center. It is available exclusively to high school seniors, who must be at least 17 years old by September 1, 2024.

For its initial fall introduction, the course will be specifically offered to students from the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA) with plans to expand for Spring.

“We can’t wait to see how this program benefits our students and the industry as a whole,” Onigkeit said. “For a field that’s growing as quickly as this one is, it’s really exciting to see young students take an early interest.”

TRANSPORTATION AREA OF STUDY

Auto Mechanic

Automotive Technology

Commercial Truck Driver Training

Transportation Exploratory Area of Study

LEARN MORE

For more information or to get started in a Transportation Area of Study visit

LakeLandCollege.edu or scan this QR Code.

FREE DUAL CREDIT COURSES OFFERED THROUGH ERCA

The CDL Theory class is one of several Lake Land College Dual Credit courses being offered this fall for FREE to students within the Effingham Regional Career Academy. All the courses will be taught by Lake Land College instructors and will be held through ERCA at the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center. The courses offer students opportunities to explore careers in the high-demand fields of CDL, agriculture, healthcare, networking and GIS.

Summer classes begin June 3.

Intersession begins May 13.

Fall classes begin August 19.

Scan this QR code to request a printed schedule be mailed your home or visit LakeLandCollege.edu/lake-land-college-magazine.

Register by May 10 to receive a tuition credit incentive.