Graduating from high school opens a door to endless opportunity— joining the workforce or military, entering trade school, or investing in various forms of higher education. For Jenny Lee, the path led to Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso campus, where enrolling in the Human Services program sparked her passion for social work.
“I knew I wanted something more fulfilling than my job at the time, and I’d always been interested in mental health,” Lee said.
A lifelong resident of Valparaiso and a 2019 graduate of Morgan Township High School, Lee first joined Ivy Tech Valparaiso on a whim. After joining the workforce for three years, Lee saved up to embrace her call to pursue education. She enrolled in 2022 and quickly found that the Human Services program offered flexibility with practical, career-focused training.
“When I realized I wanted something more fulfilling, I looked at Ivy Tech’s program and saw Human Services,” Lee said. “The decision was kind of spontaneous, but it ended up being the right move.”
Ivy Tech’s services helped Lee secure two internships that allowed her to balance coursework while gaining real-world experience. Lee completed her first internship at South Haven Elementary School with oversight from a guidance counselor to support students dealing with trauma. Her second internship through Opportunity Enterprises provided direct experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“By the time I transferred, I already had two internships under my belt,” Lee said. “I learned so much from being hands-on. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade.”
In May 2024, Lee earned her associate degree and transferred to Valparaiso University to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work. Though the transition came with new challenges, such as a more structured workload, she embraces the opportunity to continue learning.
“The adjustment has been tough, but I like it,” Lee said. “There’s more structure and I’ve learned a lot.”
Lee credits much of her academic success to her Ivy Tech professors, including Don Spears, whom she describes as both approachable and encouraging.
“He was the best professor ever,” Lee said. “He was so easy to talk to. If I ever had questions, he always answered them. He even came to my pinning ceremony and that meant a lot to me.”
While she is still exploring her long-term plans, Lee is considering graduate programs in social work and remains open to staying in the area or moving elsewhere after graduation. To those weighing their options, Lee urges prospective students to take a chance on Ivy Tech and see where it can lead.
“Go into it with a willingness to learn,” Lee said. “Be open to new opportunities. You never know what you’ll end up being passionate about.”
Lee’s story illustrates Ivy Tech Valparaiso’s role in helping students take the first step toward rewarding careers. With affordable tuition, experienced faculty and real-world training, Ivy Tech's campuses and satellite locations across Indiana remain a powerful launchpad for students ready to shape their futures.
For details on programs, enrollment and career training at Ivy Tech Community College, visit ivytech.edu.
