Thanks to a supportive network, Andrea Sagle was able to return to school after a sudden tragedy left her children without their father. She thought school would be out of the question, but between financial assistance and being named a winner in the 2018 Paul Simon Essay Contest “How My Community College Changed My Life,” Andrea is pursuing a career to help her provide for her children.

She’s enrolled in the phlebotomy program and can’t say enough good things about her instructors: Rita Kealy, Phlebotomy Program coordinator, and Colette Schrank, medical terminology and phlebotomy professor.

“They are excellent teachers and provided me with the building blocks to be a skilled phlebotomist and one day an excellent nurse.”

Andrea said Moraine Valley changed her life and gave her the opportunity for a successful future.

“Enrolling in my classes gave me the courage to keep going, even when it seemed much easier to give up. Finally, having the opportunity to finish my degree empowers me to do even more with my education and career,” she said.