Gideon Njankwi, 24, of Oak Park spent the first 20 years of his life in the West African nation of Cameroon. It wasn’t until his mother suffered a stroke in 2000 that Gideon discovered his calling and moved to the United States. “I came here for educational purposes,” he said. “When my mother had a stroke, I decided I wanted to go to medical school to become a neurologist.”

A 2006 Schoolcraft graduate with an associate degree in science, Gideon looked back on his experience at Schoolcraft as “wonderful.” “I got a good foundation. It was the first time I attended a multi-cultural school.” Gideon’s mother remains in West Africa and is doing well.

“My time at Schoolcraft helped me immensely, both intellectually and socially. I got everything I needed. It was 100 percent,” said Gideon. “The professors and counselors helped me get where I wanted to go.” Today, Gideon is in a pre-med program, tutors students and works part time.