Finding Your People

The transfer process can be a big step for students as they choose to leave a place with many connections and familiar faces. But by doing so, it provides the opportunity to grow in new ways and forge even more lifelong friendships.

This was the case for Aron Gomez ’26, who chose Elmhurst University after completing his associate degree at Moraine Valley Community College, where he was very involved in theatre productions and close to his peers.

Taking the Leap

Gomez moved to the Chicagoland area at age 5, so he is no stranger to embracing new people and new places. Although the prospect of starting fresh again was daunting, he is grateful he took the leap.

“After one of my theatre performances at Moraine, I spoke to the [Elmhurst] theatre chair, because she was there offering critiques and advice,” Gomez said. “I was struggling to decide where to transfer at the time, but when she told me about the theatre program at Elmhurst I was fascinated. It’s a nice, small campus and theatre, and that’s exactly what I needed after being at a big community college.”

As a theatre major, the strong reputation of Elmhurst’s Theatre and Dance and Music departments was the factor that solidified Gomez’s decision to become a Bluejay. He believes Elmhurst’s well-rounded curriculum will help him to develop a versatile set of skills that he can carry into whatever he does next.

“I’ve felt very supported and gotten help from faculty and my group of friends,” said Gomez. “I’ve built a group of people who support each other and share interests.”

Embracing Opportunities

Gomez spends a lot of his time perfecting his craft on the stage in Mill Theatre.

“The theatre program here is a very tight-knit community,” Gomez said. “We focus on building each other up and take advantage of all the opportunities that we can.” Elmhurst is dedicated to cultivating these kinds of caring, inclusive spaces, where all students can thrive in their learning experiences and later in their careers.

He keeps busy and stays active in student life as a member of Concert Choir, the Late-Night Blues Vocal Jazz group and Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity. Gomez also enjoys taking dance classes here, describing the atmosphere of the dance studio as stress-free and a place where he can dance his worries away.

“My mindset coming here was to get involved as much as I can,” Gomez said. There are many interest-based organizations and events supported and funded by Elmhurst, so students like Gomez can choose personalized, growth-minded paths for development to become engaged, adaptive leaders.

Raising the Curtain

Gomez enjoys living in the residence halls with his friends, often taking walks on campus and in downtown Elmhurst. With its location so close to Chicago, the University gives students access to top companies and abundant employment opportunities, where students can gain relevant, hands-on practice and a professional edge.

He sometimes catches the train at the Elmhurst Metra station to visit Chicago and see a show. And that’s exactly where Gomez envisions himself after graduating – under the spotlight on the big stage. He also plans to give back to the next generation as a director and theatre educator, helping children to find the same joy in acting that he does.

“It felt heartwarming to find my community here, because no matter what your major is or what classes you’re taking, you will find your people at Elmhurst.”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step towards your future.