During PCC’s event presenting, Seamless Success: Transforming College Transfer in Illinois, Emelia Ibarra-Franco shared her experience transferring institutions.
Hi, my name is Emelia Ibarra-Franco, and I am a proud first-generation Latina scholar pursuing my undergraduate degree at National Louis University. I’m now just one year away from completing my bachelor’s degree and earning my Professional Educator’s License. Education is something I care deeply about, and while I’m still a student myself, I’ve also had the joy and privilege of working with young learners every day as a teaching assistant. Being able to grow alongside them has made my college experience even more meaningful.
I grew up in a single-parent household, raised by my mother. Deciding where to continue studies after graduating from high school was tough. While being accepted into several highly selective institutions was a blessing, I knew it was simply not a practical choice for my family. Instead, I decided to start my college journey at Harper College, a community college located near my home. It allowed me to save money, stay connected to my community, and start working toward my goals more sustainably.
At Harper College, I started my studies with nursing in mind, and I earned my Associate of Science degree. While the medical field will always have a place in my heart, I realized that early childhood education and teaching were what truly excited and motivated me. I’m grateful I dared to make that change early in my college career. It was a decision rooted in passion and practicality.
Knowing that National Louis University was known for its teaching program, they were one of my top choices. The price tag was a draw, and I decided to apply. Still, transferring wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped. Even though I had completed an associate’s degree, many of the courses I took at Harper didn’t end up fulfilling the requirements for lower-level classes at National Louis. With two years behind me, I started my time at National Louis as a freshman again, with four more years of coursework ahead.
Throughout my time at National Louis, I’ve had to adapt numerous times as I have tried to balance coursework and employment. I’ve gone from studying full-time to part-time and back again, depending on what I could manage financially and personally. I’ve also switched between online and in-person classes as my circumstances shifted. Like many students, I’ve had to prioritize work to pay for school and have managed to excel in my courses, while also enjoying the various programming options my institution has to offer. But trying to stay on track toward a timely graduation has been a tricky balancing act. I’ve had to be flexible and persistent without delaying graduation more than necessary.
I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time at National Louis. I’ve found a community, mentors, and a sense of purpose. I have gotten connected to programs that have helped me learn and grow. And through the Golden Apple Scholarship and MTI scholarship, I’ve had the resources to help pay for tuition. All that said, while I don’t necessarily have regrets, I do sometimes wonder: if I had been more aware of the different bachelor’s programs available across the city when I was preparing to transfer, would I have made a different choice? At Harper, I did not have the same resources for planning that I’ve heard other peers share about. I made the best choice I could with the information available to me at the time. At the same time, I can’t help but think that it would be nice to already have that diploma in hand.
Despite the bumps in the road, I’m incredibly proud of where I am today and grateful for the leadership opportunities I’ve had in my undergraduate career. I hope that by sharing my story today, I can help highlight just how important it is to make the transfer smoother, more transparent, and more fair for every student working hard to build a future.
About Emelia Ibarra-Franco
Emelia Ibarra-Franco, a first-generation Latina scholar passionate about education & community advocacy. I’m currently an Undergraduate Student studying at National-Louis University, working toward my degree in Early Childhood & Elementary Education. I thrive in collaborative environments and love creating inclusive spaces where all students feel supported & empowered to reach their potential. My experience working with non-profit organizations across Chicago-land has shaped my commitment to serving marginalized communities. These opportunities have given me a deeper understanding of underrepresented groups’ challenges and fueled my passion for giving back. I’m excited to connect with like-minded educators & advocates committed to equity, holistic student development, and making a positive impact in our communities.
