Lydia
In 2023, she decided to learn more about Truman, which was just minutes from her home. That decision changed her outlook on education and her life.
After high school, Joshua started working as an automotive technician. But a part of him longed for a career that would allow him to help the community.
That’s when he heard about the One Year and Out Pathway to Policing program at Olive-Harvey College.
One of the biggest obstacles the 2025 valedictorian faced was trying to manage school with his personal life and work, especially as a newlywed. But through support from the faculty and staff, Joshua continued pushing forward.
Joshua’s dream has always been to work in the criminal justice field, and the education he received from Olive-Harvey served as the perfect steppingstone.
In addition to the faculty and staff at Olive-Harvey, Joshua credits the One Million Degrees program for partnering him with a great mentor and providing resources to help him while he was in school. Thanks to their support, Joshua is looking forward to joining the Chicago Police Department, with dreams of one day becoming an Illinois State Trooper.
