"I literally dreamed of graduating college." For Alina, this dream seemed increasingly distant after a 2007 diagnosis of a rare form of muscular dystrophy ended her career as a phlebotomist at the American Red Cross. The loss of muscle function in her hands made her previous healthcare work unsafe, leading to disability and an uncertain future. Yet Alina refused to let physical limitations define her potential. "I have a very strong brain," she explains, describing how she redirected her focus toward her lifelong interest in computers and natural inclination toward security and protection.
Champlain College Online (CCO) became the foundation for Alina's reinvention. "My professors and my classmates were my lifeline," she shares. "CCO has helped me get where I am today by first building my confidence, helping me understand that I can do this." Taking full-time courses year-round, the mother of three completed her Bachelor's in Cybersecurity ahead of schedule, transforming what could have been a career-ending diagnosis into an opportunity for growth. Her journey embodies resilience and determination, proving that with the right educational support, even significant life challenges can become stepping stones to new beginnings. "I am worth it," Alina affirms, "and no matter what, I will get through it."
