Bridge Gateway Program

When Tamba Torniwa lost his parents at a young age due to lack of medical care in his home country of Sierra Leone, he knew that someday he would work to help improve the lives of others. Now, he is well on his way to becoming a nurse practitioner.

Tamba arrived in the U.S. a year and a half ago, and after taking high school equivalency prep courses at Malcolm X College, quickly earned his GED. Next, he earned his pre-BNA certification, then jumped into other credit classes at Malcolm X, taking advantage of the benefits of the Gateway Program. Healthcare was actually a big change for him, as he had studied accounting in Sierra Leone. He took this opportunity to do what he always wanted and help others.

He chose to start classes at Malcolm X because it was the closest City College to his home, but he says “I feel like Malcolm X has become like a home to me – I’ve met friends, and had kind, motivating instructors. My experience has been fantastic.”

Once he graduates from Malcolm X with his associate degree, he plans to earn his bachelor’s and master’s in nursing. He plans to someday return to his home country and use his medical skills to help those who need it.

If you’re ready to move forward with your goals, learn more about GED and HiSET classes at City Colleges of Chicago, and the Bridge Gateway Program, here.