photo by steed media service

Olive-Harvey College, one of seven community colleges in the City Colleges of Chicago system, prides itself on giving students an idea of what it takes to be successful through developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Robin Hicks, a speech and theater professor at Olive-Harvey works with young people who are either coming directly out of high school or transferring from other institutions, to enhance their educational experience and provide a solid foundation to build on.

“We try and apply what they learn in class to their everyday lives and that’s the best way [for us to] know that they’re getting the information ... I challenge our students to come in focused and ready to take their classes seriously, especially in English and math because that’s what’s going to push them forward,” says Hicks.

Hicks says one of her main priorities at Olive-Harvey is to upgrade the college’s speech laboratory by bringing in current technology. She is also in the process of developing more fine arts classes and community-based productions so that students get hands-on-training through internship opportunities.

“Catering to our community is what we’re here for — the empowerment and the betterment of our community. I think that’s part of our mission, so outreach is very key to us at this time. We want our community to know, that with the new programs that are coming in and the new courses that are being developed, their voices are being heard and we are tailoring our courses and programs to our community’s needs,” says Hicks. – jason thompson


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