EICCD Students Drive for Success

Several Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community College students think it's worth the trip to take part in some of our great programs. Meet the students who gas up the car and go to great lengths to fuel their minds:

From Pella, Iowa to Muscatine, It's Josh Van Kooten:
Josh looked at Iowa State University, but when he visited Muscatine Community College's (MCC) agriculture Feed and Fertilizer Marketing program, he was hooked. "I love the way the program is set up with in-class learning and actual hands-on experience."

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Josh worked a six-week internship and said he gained valuable experience in the business side of farming. During his stay at MCC, Josh traveled to Denmark with Youth for Understanding (YFU) where he visited a large farm and played tourist for a week.

"Some people think a college education isn't important, but I've found it useful," said Josh. "The work experience I can take home and use the rest of my life. I'd recommend this program to anyone, especially if they want to go home and farm."

Josh's family runs a livestock finishing operation raising 27,000 sows a year and 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans.

On the Eldridge to Clinton trail, it's Mariah Miller:
The Graphic Arts program at Clinton Community College (CCC) is the draw that brought Mariah to the north.

"I could not have made a better decision," she said, citing small classes and teachers who are "always there."

To save gas and time, Mariah stayed on campus after she arrived for the day, a circumstance that actually helped her get homework done. Her favorite part of the program this past academic year was web development. Her assignment was to create a menu, logo and web site for a virtual restaurant called "Tigrillo's."

"It was fun all around," she said. As a second-year student, she'll have the option of entering the Quad City Ad Federation's Addy Awards competition next winter. Mariah has no doubt she'll be ready.

"The teachers are great," she said. "They'll help you with anything. I would definitely recommend this program."

Taylor Ridge, Illinois, sends Chelsea Maynard to MCC:
Chelsea has broadcasting and journalism in her blood, so when she went looking for a college program after high school graduation, MCC quickly became the best choice.

"At first, I considered Western Illinois University because they have a good broadcasting program, but I decided to save money" Chelsea said.

The smaller atmosphere at MCC also gives Chelsea plenty of opportunities, and she's jumping in with both feet: "I'm in a fall internship at Channel 6 (for the "Highlight Zone"); they have a TV show at MCC and I'm doing part of that; and I'm going to be writing for the Calumet (award-winning student newspaper).

"During my second semester we have a huge project to make up a television show," she added, guessing that she would probably play the role of producer for that.

"I'm really excited," she said, adding that living in student housing will give her the chance to fully participate in college life.

"I'd like to be in Student Government; I'm really looking forward to it," she said.