Say “Yes” to Everything: Illi Germain’s Story

Illi Germain came to CCP after completing City Year Philadelphia and finding an interest in teaching. “City Year transformed my life,” they said. "I was like, okay, education is so important...I could see myself teaching, and I miss being a student.” Now, Illi is graduating from the College and set to attend Arcadia University on a full-ride scholarship as a Social Action and Justice Education Fellow.

Illi grew up in the Harrisburg area and originally wanted to go to college to study medicine after graduating from high school. After a few challenging years, they decided it was time to pursue college. “I waited until I was 24 to qualify as an independent,” Illi said. “As a trans person, there's a common story of trans people not being in a good relationship with their family. And unfortunately, I'm one of those people.” Illi and their partner moved to Philadelphia to find refuge in the diverse populations of the city.

And here they have felt supported, especially by their Catto coaches, Maura Razanauskas and Sherita Rooney. “Sherita is just like so detail oriented and so intentional with the way that she communicates and the service that she provides,” Illi said. "Without Sherita and Maura, I would not be able to graduate.” Illi is grateful for the guidance and confidence that Maura and Sherita have both given them. “Sometimes I doubt myself, and they were the people in my corner," Illi said. Maura and Sherita supported Illi through that self doubt, helping them believe in their worth.

In addition to being a Catto Scholar, Illi is also the recipient of the Shirley P. Thomas, Jane G. Pepper and Ed Hermance scholarships. Illi also interns with the Mayor’s Office of Education through CCP’s City College for Municipal Employment program. “I'm learning a lot about [communications] when it comes to...writing and formatting,” Illi said. Illi is undecided about exactly what’s next for them, but they have been accepted as a Catto Teacher Scholar at Arcadia University to pursue a career in teaching.

The best advice Illi has for new CCP students: say yes to everything. “There's something really cool about CCP, especially...if you...have a good GPA, you can get a lot of internships,” they said. "It just holds weight in a different way. And CCP is always producing students that just go above and beyond. So, just say yes to everything.”