JJC Student Employee Awarded ICCTA Scholarship

Joliet Junior College (JJC) student Brenton Bishop has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) for winning the Paul Simon Student Essay Contest.

The contest required students to write about how community college has changed their lives. Bishop's essay was selected to represent JJC and became one of 17 nominees statewide. All essays were ranked by a committee, and Bishop's was ranked the highest.

"I think so many have been positively impacted by community colleges that I was a bit surprised to learn that my recounting of that impact was selected as the winner," Bishop said. "It was genuinely surprising to have found out I won, but better yet, I am proud to say that I did so, thanks in part to all of the individuals at JJC who have made my journey possible. Without each of the people who have imparted lessons, I would not be the person I am today, so for that I will be forever grateful!"

Bishop's essay used the metaphor of sustaining a flame to explain the impact JJC has had on his life. His JJC story began during his childhood. He accompanied his mom to her classes and helped her study while she pursued admission into JJC's nursing program.

"Those study times would drive my interest and passion into nursing, shape my prospective career path and serve as a spark - my oxidizer - and showed me that not every path needs to look the same," Bishop said in his essay.

His JJC journey resumed in early adulthood when he decided to earn his high school diploma through JJC's adult education department. Following his adult education graduation in 2024, Bishop enrolled at JJC to pursue nursing. During the 2025-2026 school year, he represented the student body by serving as student trustee. He currently works as a student employee in JJC's health services department and is in the College's prestigious nursing program.

"My college did not just teach me how to be a nurse; it taught me to find hope," his essay said. "It gave me the courage to push myself outside of my comfort zone and serve as a representative to those around me, and at times, a catalyst for change.

"So, to answer how community college changed my life? It didn't just change it; it ignited mine."