April 2, 2025
JCCC’s programs and support services checked all the right boxes.
From Kenya to KC
As a high school graduate in Nairobi, Kenya, Ian Kibet was unsure about his next steps. With family in the Kansas City area, he had a life-changing opportunity to pursue higher education in the United States.
Ian searched for a college that offered a welcoming community and the support he needed to explore his academic and career interests.
“When I found JCCC, I felt like it checked all the boxes,” he said. “It had the resources I needed, it was student-centered, and it had an aim of student success. That’s what brought me here.”
Seek the support you need
Moving from Nairobi to Kansas City was exciting, but it also came with some challenges. The biggest was overcoming culture shock, but some friendly faces on campus understood what he was going through.
“It was a new place and I didn’t know anyone, so I would go to the International and Immigrant Student Services office often. They are always there to listen to you and guide you, or help if you need anything. It’s like my second home here,” Ian said.
His advice for new students is to proactively seek support when you need it.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nine out of ten times, the College will have the help and resources you need,” he said.
Discover your calling
Another challenge for Ian was selecting an area of study. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in terms of my career, so I was advised to go to the Career Development Center,” he said.
There he took an assessment to analyze his skills and interests. Based on the results, Career Coaches urged him to consider majors in one particular field: Healthcare.
“Then my research led me to choose nursing,” he said.
Because both parents are nurses, Ian was familiar with the profession, its requirements, and rewards. When he decided to follow in their footsteps, they couldn’t have been prouder.
Gain real-world, hands-on experience
He was accepted into the Registered Nurse (RN) program, a selective admission program at JCCC. In four semesters, RN students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction and clinical learning in JCCC’s state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center, as well as at partnering hospitals, clinics, and community sites.
Through his clinical rotations, Ian explored a variety of specialty areas, each offering a unique perspective on patient care.
“I was able to do a rehabilitation rotation, a labor and delivery rotation, and experience the ICU (intensive care unit). I even got to work with kids in a pediatric rotation,” he said.
Find your community
Ian found a job at JCCC as a Student Life Ambassador, helping students engage in activities and build community at the College. He urges all Cavaliers to immerse themselves in campus life.
“Research has shown that students who get involved on campus have better outcomes,” he said. “You’ll make friends, you’ll make connections, and you’ll make memories.”
Ian also serves as Vice President of Alpha Delta Nu, JCCC’s Nursing Honor Society. The group participates in community projects, including volunteer drives to support local shelters.
In addition, he is the student representative for his RN class and will have the honor of speaking at their graduation pinning ceremony. The event marks the completion of their educational journey and officially welcomes them into the nursing profession.
Start here, go anywhere!
After graduation, Ian will search for a job as a Registered Nurse, possibly in pediatric critical care. Once he gains knowledge and experience in that role, he plans to apply to programs to become an anesthesiologist.
“I also love teaching, so I might just come and teach here at JCCC,” he added.
Ready to find your future?
We’re here to help you achieve your goals. Low tuition rates, flexible courses, and helpful resources like free tutoring put you on the path to success.