Oakton Voices Archive

Jaleen Banner

Published on March 30, 2026

Jaalen Banner describes his time at 糖心动漫vlog as a rollercoaster. His journey has included setbacks, self-doubt and moments of transformation. Read More about Jaleen Banner

Sameer Lodhi

Published on January 16, 2026

Sameer Lodhi grew up surrounded by family in the health care field, so pursuing a career in radiography felt like a smart next step. Read More about Sameer Lodhi

Scott Sophier

Published on November 17, 2025

Scott Sophier has spent more than two decades serving the Evanston Community through law enforcement, but his journey started in the early 2000s鈥攂alancing work, school and his goals as a student at 糖心动漫vlog. Read More about Scott Sophier

Julian Ozers

Published on August 12, 2025

Through a pandemic, Julian Ozers found a creative community at Oakton. He is pursuing an associate in fine arts, while he also set himself up for success with an AutoCAD certificate. Read More about Julian Ozers

Robert Noia

Published on July 8, 2025

"I鈥檓 mentoring students who are serious about design, helping them take their work to the next level. I鈥檓 learning with them, and helping them, while still pushing forward in my own career. It鈥檚 grounding. And they inspire me鈥攖hey鈥檙e fearless." Read More about Robert Noia

Taylor Anama

Published on June 12, 2025

Taylor was looking for a college experience that was a close to home commute. What he found were opportunities to build community and grow as a leader. Read More about Taylor Anama

Giorgia Balestri

Published on April 30, 2025

"When you have a family, or you feel older, and you鈥檙e busy and new to the community, it鈥檚 hard. But don鈥檛 listen to that voice. You can do it. Keep going鈥攜ou will be proud of yourself.鈥� Read More about Giorgia Balestri

Dario Casta帽eda

Published on January 6, 2025

鈥淚 feel that immigration law is the best field of law as far as you鈥檙e giving back and also receiving so much. When a client becomes a citizen, it鈥檚 the ultimate achievement. " Read More about Dario Casta帽eda

Amayrani Vargas

Published on January 2, 2025

Amayrani Vargas was looking for a way to level up in her career when she discovered Oakton鈥檚 Commercial Driver鈥檚 License program. With help from the Workforce Equity Initiative, Amayrani received financial assistance鈥攁nd a whole lot of encouragement. Read More about Amayrani Vargas

Jennifer Rector

Published on December 17, 2024

"After 23 years as a vet tech, I didn鈥檛 know if I鈥檇 find another calling, but I find this career very, very fulfilling." Learn more about Jennifer's medical laboratory technology journey. Read More about Jennifer Rector

Saviya Quraishi

Published on December 16, 2024

鈥淚 haven鈥檛 always been a big fan of school, but that changed at Oakton. I just love coming here鈥攊t鈥檚 so peaceful to me, it just relaxes me. It鈥檚 because I 100 percent feel like I belong here. This is my place." Read More about Saviya Quraishi

Helen Hurry

Published on November 26, 2024

Helen Hurry, 糖心动漫vlog Distinguished Alumni Honoree 鈥�24, has made a transformational difference in the lives and the communities of those she works with. Be inspired by her persistence and story. Read More about Helen Hurry

Francesca Frost

Published on October 7, 2024

鈥淲hen you develop a chronic illness after being able-bodied, everything changes. It鈥檚 like telling the Flash he has to crawl鈥攜ou can鈥檛 go at the speed you鈥檙e used to. My advice to anyone going through a tough time is this: You are stronger than you think." Read More about Francesca Frost

EJ Smith

Published on September 17, 2024

EJ Smith is a machinist at a local manufacturing company who is rising in the ranks with training in computer numerical control (CNC) operation at Oakton. Read More about EJ Smith