Ana Naddaf,Liberal Arts Major  

• Journalist in Brazil who came to America to improve her English.
  

“I tried different language schools but I was not satisfied.  I decided that an academic environment will help me reach my goals. At Essex, they teach not just from the books, the grammar and the rules.  It is the whole experience that is helping me, the books, the interactions, the opportunity to exchange ideas and ideals, and the daily life at the college.”

Awele Ugele,Nursing Major  

• Interest in nursing research.  Career goal to work as a registered nurse.
• Originally from Nigeria.  She  pursued her education in the Caribbean and came to America from there.
  

“Coming to Essex County College was the best decision I ever made.  I came to know about Essex through the ECC catalog that I had a chance to review when I was in the Caribbean.  The catalog has a lot about student activities, testimonials from students, and about the quality of education at Essex.  I came to the U.S. in August and I joined Essex County College in September.  It was that easy to transition.  Essex County College has been like a family to me. The faculty are the best.  But it is not just about the academic aspects.  Even when it comes to my social life and personal needs, the school has been of great help to me. I feel like I fit in and it is helping me pursue my dreams.”

Iwona Zarezka,Biology/Pre-Med Major 

• Enrolled in the ESL program.
  

  "I come from Poland. This country is new to me.  I find at Essex County College the support and the encouragement to learn more.  The Learning Center has provided me mentoring and tutoring, and my friends in class have also helped me.  The professors are very friendly and supportive."

Bao Duong,Accounting

• Graduated from the Accounting program in June 2009
• Gained admission to Pace University, with partial tuition remission, to continue his baccalaureate, starting Fall 2009.

"I first enrolled in Seton Hall University after coming from Vietnam. One semester later, I transferred to ECC. Reasons: affordability and the opportunity to take college level courses while taking developmental courses. At Essex I was able to become a vice president of the PTK honor society, senator of the Student Government Association, founder of a new Asian Club, and a tutor in mathematics and accounting".

Juan Gonzalez,Computer Science Major  

"Through my membership in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, I have a good chance of gaining scholarships to continue my studies at universities such as NJIT or Rutgers. I am also involved in many activities at ECC as an editor of the student newspaper, senator in the Student Government Association. There are also other clubs such as the Architect Club and the Short Films Club. You can also start a new club that suits your interest".

Maleka Robinson,Nursing Major  

"Although it was my dream to become an RN, I never thought I could afford a college education. Many years later, after my daughter got older, I looked into ECC and found out that it was very affordable. I hope to work as an RN in the intensive care unit of a Newark hospital. I want to give back to this community where I was born and raised".

Luis Grados,Computer Science

• Graduated from the Computer Science program in June 2009.
• Admitted into the Albert Dorman Honors College at NJIT, starting Fall 2009.

"Tuition is very affordable at ECC.  As the president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at ECC, my chances are good to win scholarships to four year universities to continue my studies beyond the associate degree. ECC’s computer science program has agreements with colleges such as NJIT for transfer of credits".

Melanie McDougall,Accounting

• Graduated from the Accounting program in June 2009
• Gained admission to NYU, Seton Hall, Fordham, and Rutgers-New Brunwick. Awarded a PTK scholarship of almost full tuition remission to Seton Hall.
  

"After being out of school for 18 years, working full-time, I decided to get back to college. I chose ECC because I found out that Essex would help me pursue my dream of gaining entry into a major university after my associate degree through my performance as an honors student. The faculty and staff at ECC are knowledgeable and practical".

Sandra Cassidy,Nursing Major

• Graduated from the Nursing Program in January 2009
• Currently an RN at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center working in the Neonetal Intensive Care Unit.
  

  "Essex County College is like a big family with people from all over the world. The quality of education we get for the price we pay is incredible. ECC’s new state-of-the-art Center for Health Sciences enables students (in nursing and allied health) to practice on robots that are almost like real people."

Toure Mills, Liberal Arts: Communications Option Major

"I came to ECC through the Pre-Freshman Summer program. I was so impressed by the quality of the education and services at ECC that I joined the college in the following fall semester."

Wendy Ceron,Architecture Major

"Most of the credits I take at ECC are transferable to NJIT where I plan to go after my associate degree. What I like most about Essex is that the staff is very friendly and the professors want to help you. When I first came to Essex my English was very poor. Professors would encourage me to come by their office so that they can help me sort things out".