Theresa Bashiri

Immersion experience
What's it like to be the only student participant in a high-level executive discussion? Just ask Theresa Bashiri.

During my second year at Oakton, I was invited to represent the College at a panel discussion in downtown Chicago about the role of community colleges in workforce development. I was the only student in a room full of high-powered executives. I met the CEO of Allstate and a talk show host from CBS-people I'd never have expected to meet.

I didn't think I would have to say anything during the discussion. But this was the first time a student had attended one of these events, and the executives kept calling me out, wanting to hear my thoughts. "How is your college preparing you for a career?" "How does your college serve the community?" "How does your education compare with that at a four-year college?"

Sharing my opinions in front of all those high-level executives made me very nervous. I thought, "Aaaaaah! When is this going to be over?!" But it ended up going really well, and it was a great experience.

I had many other opportunities at Oakton, too. I was elected president of Oakton's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, which taught me a lot about leadership and teamwork. I also was involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Des Plaines, and helped raise money to provide 3,700 toothbrushes for medical missions to Guatemala.

My personal life experiences encouraged me to do "better" when I was choosing a college. But Oakton helped me rediscover who I am. Everyone I met—from the director of student life to President Lee—cared about my success. They helped me discover what I had to offer and develop my talents.

Now that I know who I am, I can pursue my dreams with confidence.

Theresa Bashiri '09