https://icc.edu/news/finding-her-path-in-law-and-leadership-kyrahs-journey-at-icc/
Finding Her Path in Law and Leadership: Kyrah’s Journey at ICC
When Kyrah graduated from high school mid-term, she enrolled at Bradley University. It seemed like the right next step at the time, but something was missing. Unsure of what she wanted to study, Kyrah found herself questioning both her major and the cost of continuing without a clear direction.
It was her dad who gently pushed her to rethink her path. He encouraged her to explore Illinois Central College, and that conversation changed everything. When Kyrah reviewed the programs at ICC, the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice options immediately stood out. She knew she wanted to go into law, and ICC offered the chance to stay close to home, work while in school, and move forward with a major that made sense.
Life is unpredictable, and it is okay to change your major, change your route, or take a gap semester. Everything is possible with the right support.
Kyrah, ICC Student
That support was evident from the start. Transferring to ICC was a simple, supportive process. An advisor helped her declare a major, build a two-year academic plan, and map out a clear path toward graduation and transfer. That one-on-one guidance became a defining part of her ICC experience.
In the classroom, Kyrah found what she had been looking for. Smaller classes made it easier to connect with her professors, ask questions, and fully engage in her coursework. They encouraged students to attend office hours and offered consistent support. Kyrah also took advantage of the Academic Support Center, where tutoring assistance helped her strengthen her writing skills and was so helpful she wished she had gone more often.
Outside of class, Kyrah balanced part-time employment while completing basic training and tech school for the U.S. Air Force. Even while she was away, ICC remained flexible and supported her progress. Her advisor helped enroll her in classes so she could stay on track to graduate.
Several faculty members made a lasting impact on Kyrah’s academic journey. Composition instructors Professor Jennifer Hopp and Dr. Stephan Bortolotti helped her grow as a writer and learner. In Legal Studies and Criminal Justice, Professor Tom Higgins served as a mentor, helping her with internships, transfer planning, and conversations about her future.
After Kyrah graduates from ICC, she plans to continue her journey at the University of Illinois, where she will study Political Science with a Pre-law focus. She hopes to pursue a career in criminal or family law and is also considering teaching so she can encourage future students to follow their own winding paths.
For Kyrah, ICC became the place where she found clarity, confidence, and support. Her story is a reminder that changing direction is not a setback, but an important step toward discovering what’s possible.
Learn more about the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice program
