Attending Northeast Iowa Community College is the logical choice for recent high school graduate
Friday, October 30, 2020
Layla is now an Associate of Arts student at NICC and is Phi Theta Kappa vice president of the Peosta campus chapter, a member of the first officer team established at the College.
COVID-19 has changed the college plans for many recent high school graduates, especially for those determined to enroll in a four-year college or university. Yet, the decision to stay home and learn locally seemed like the logical choice for Layla Quiñones.
Layla earned Northeast Iowa Community College credits as a Western Dubuque High School student and her father encouraged Layla to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at NICC to qualify for the generous scholarships that support student members.
Layla is now an Associate of Arts student at NICC and is Phi Theta Kappa vice president of the Peosta campus chapter, a member of the first officer team established at the College. Next spring she will become chapter president.
“Phi Theta Kappa gives you more opportunities as a college student. I love having the teamwork with other students. Plus, PTK provides short, free courses during the year that teach business and leadership skills,” Layla explained.
Beginning her college education at NICC makes logical sense. The College awarded Layla a Loyalty Award for earning college credits while in high school and she received one of two Opportunity Scholarships awarded to Western Dubuque High School graduates in 2019.
“I’m still thinking about where I want to transfer after graduating from NICC in May 2021. I do want to stay close to my parents and family in the Midwest. I am going to double major in accounting and business management with a minor in Spanish. I hope to work for a nonprofit in their management staff or deal with their finance,” she said.
Always a driven and ambitious student, Layla participated in numerous activities and organizations in high school including solo and ensembles choirs and National Honor Society. She received a Division 1 ranking for her performances in choir.