Major: Radiography
During a medical checkup, Leanalyn Figueroa had an experience that would lead to her choice for a career.
“I had an EEG, and the use of the technology and machines involved was really interesting to me,” she said. “I asked the technician questions about her field, and she was friendly, kind and helpful. From there, I started to research the field and similar ones. This is where I found out about becoming a radiography technician.”
However, when she graduated from high school, Figueroa wasn’t yet sure of what to do. She enrolled at College of DuPage, which gave her the opportunity to grow as a new student and learn about other interests.
“I joined New Student Orientation in fall 2022 as an orientation leader and again the next year as a team lead,” she said. “This provided me a space where I got to meet students, make friends, get a scholarship to help with school and other expenses, learn important values, and participate in my college’s community. I am fortunate to say that I found a community of many meaningful friendships.”
While a student at COD, Figueroa participated in the Fulbright-Hays Program, funded by a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Education to support research and training overseas that focuses on non-Western languages and area studies. Her boyfriend received a flyer for the program’s study abroad opportunity to the Philippines through Northern Illinois University, and she emailed the program director to see if she could participate.
Once accepted into the program, Figueroa quickly found herself getting to know a group of eight students from NIU and several professors from NIU, Sauk Valley Community College and two state universities in the Philippines—Cavite State University and Central Luzon State University. This helped her prepare for the experience.
The institution allowed me to find many networks where I could embrace my academic and career goals confidently.
Leanalyn Figueroa
“During our time in the Philippines, we studied the national language, Tagalog, as well as Filipino culture, history, agriculture and many other subjects,” she said. “Within these topics, we would spend time in classroom settings and on field trips to farms, fisheries, museums and historical places. One of my favorite places was the Banaue Rice Terraces, where we had to climb mountains to get a view of the terraces. I was very fortunate to be in new environments with new people and I learned many things about myself and the world around me. Now I am a Fulbright-Hays participant alumni with further knowledge about the Filipino culture, language, the land and the people. I also made many close friends and cherish every connection I made within the thousands and thousands of miles I traveled.”
The experience provided Figueroa with insight that she can apply to her studies and career. Once she finishes her Associate in Arts degree in 2024, Figueroa will enter the Radiography program and then, after starting to work, return to COD to complete the MRI certificate.
COD helped Figueroa in many ways and will continue to do so, even after she completes her education. She encourages other students to take advantage of all that the school offers.
“The institution allowed me to find many networks where I could embrace my academic and career goals confidently,” she said. “I would like to thank the Center for Student Success for taking the time to talk to me. I’d also like to thank Kristina Henderson and all of Student Life for the opportunities I’ve received in contributing to the COD community. And lastly, I’d like to thank Northern Illinois University for the opportunity to participate in the Fulbright-Hays Program. I’m grateful for all the people and friends I’ve met throughout the years. If anyone would like to ask questions or needs someone to talk to, I am here for you!”
Learn more about the Radiography program at College of DuPage