Student Stories: Jude Dakak

Major: Teacher Preparation

After taking a dual credit class at College of DuPage while in high school, Jude Dakak applied to COD and was named a Deans Scholar.

Honors Program

The annual award of $1,000 included membership in the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa.

“To maintain the scholarship, it was required to enroll in several honors courses each semester,” she said. “I loved the honors courses! I also liked the option of turning a regular course into an honors course when one wasn’t offered, which I did twice.”

COD’s flexible scheduling allowed Dakak to work and gain valuable experience toward a career in education.

“I decided to become a teacher since I am very patient and love working with kids,” she said. “By attending COD, I was able to take online and in-person classes so I could work at an after-school program at my nearby public school. I then decided to up my schedule by adding more credits during each semester, and I took two summer courses during my first summer term.

I loved the honors courses! I also liked the option of turning a regular course into an honors course when one wasn’t offered.

Jude Dakak

“COD also has a 2+2 program with Elmhurst University, which is resulting in an easier transition to earn my bachelor’s degree.”

Because she is fluent in Arabic, Dakak enjoyed the option of taking Arabic classes at COD.

“I moved back to Illinois after living in Dubai, UAE, for 11 years,” she said. “I was happy to hear that COD offered Arabic, so I enrolled in Arabic 1101 and 1102 for my elective classes. It helped me strengthen my formal Arabic, such as grammar.”

Dakak earned high honors when she graduated with her Associate in Arts degree. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in special education.

“My ultimate goal is to never stop learning and growing. Education is very powerful!”