“We are now better prepared to adapt and grow, no matter what life presents. Classes before us may have a story to tell, but we made history—pandemic style. We are the Class of 2021.” – Natalie Ehlinger, Clinton Community College Graduate
Celebrating the Class of 2021 Overcoming Challenges and Growth: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ (EICC) Graduates Reflect on Their Time at Clinton, Scott and Muscatine Community Colleges
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hen most people look back on their college days, it’s filled with fond memories of group study sessions at the library, going head-tohead in intramural sports leagues or laughing alongside colleagues in campus club activities. However, for the EICC Class of 2021, they will look back on their time in college…a bit differently. Unforeseen challenges by the COVID-19 pandemic forced the college community to pivot, almost overnight. Online classes, meetings held via Zoom and dealing with faulty Wi-Fi connection became part of the new normal. However, to define these students’ time during the pandemic solely through the lens of academics would be to overlook the numerous details that humanize and differentiate each of their experiences. More than 900 students graduated from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, celebrating with virtual commencement ceremonies on May, 13, 14 and 17.
Staring thoughtfully into the camera in each ceremony’s opening speech, Chancellor Don Doucette expressed this sentiment to the graduates, “No graduating class in memory has overcome as many obstacles as you to get here—to earn your diploma despite the disruptions, challenges and suffering caused by this pandemic.” “You are not only graduates, but survivors. You have shown perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and courage—traits that will serve you well in facing future challenges.” Many of those same buzzwords were reiterated throughout the student commencement speeches. The past academic year was one in which students learned that perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and courage were muscles that had to be flexed time and time again, dealing with ever-changing protocols, canceled events and learning how to be part of a community, despite being oftentimes apart. Because of this, these graduates are ready to ride into the next phase of life with a renewed sense of purpose.
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PERSEVERANCE Muscatine Community College (MCC) student commencement speaker, Dale Montagna, is no stranger to overcoming his fair share of challenges. After dropping out of high school and later welcoming a son into his life, Montagna knew he needed to make a change. Upon receiving his High School Equivalency Diploma and enrolling in classes at MCC, he jumped on every opportunity to get involved. “The community that MCC provided was unlike anything I would’ve imagined—I guess that’s why they call it a community college. I know that MCC has provided me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in my new career path,” said Montagna. His advice is simple: Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something. As long as you’re willing to work for it, you can achieve it.
