“The opportunity to live life only comes along once. To set an example for my boys as well as paving the right path for them is the most important aspect of my life. Obstacles come and go, and life will never be perfect, so my idea and my plan for this life of mine is to live for today but always strive for a better tomorrow, work past the cants and know that you can.”
- Cassandra Dulhanty
Cassandra Dulhanty
When starting college for the first time as an adult, the path to completion can be demanding and often complicated. Cassandra came to the EOC in the summer of 2005 wanting to enter the Criminal Justice program at BSU for future work in the correctional system. As a single mother of two small boys, she was working full time at a preschool/daycare facility. Soon after the initial college paperwork was completed, a cancerous tumor was found on Cassandra’s spinal cord and necessitated immediate surgery. The diagnosis was bleak; doctors said she would never walk again.
Cassandra did learn to walk, however, slowly at first. Everyday tasks forced her to adapt, but to accept the doctor’s diagnosis was not an option for her or the life she wanted for herself or her children. She re-applied to school, this time at Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), and began classes in January 2006, while still regaining her ability to walk.
Even though she took a few quarters off for recurrent health related issues, Cassandra continues to take classes toward her associate's degree, as well as maintaining full-time employment. Her boys are her joy and motivation, helping her to remain focused on college completion. She still experiences pain in her back and must continue to have yearly tests to be sure that the life altering tumors do not come back. Throughout, Cassandra has remained diligent to her schooling and compassionate to others facing similar hurdles.
Cassandra did learn to walk, however, slowly at first. Everyday tasks forced her to adapt, but to accept the doctor’s diagnosis was not an option for her or the life she wanted for herself or her children. She re-applied to school, this time at Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC), and began classes in January 2006, while still regaining her ability to walk.
Even though she took a few quarters off for recurrent health related issues, Cassandra continues to take classes toward her associate's degree, as well as maintaining full-time employment. Her boys are her joy and motivation, helping her to remain focused on college completion. She still experiences pain in her back and must continue to have yearly tests to be sure that the life altering tumors do not come back. Throughout, Cassandra has remained diligent to her schooling and compassionate to others facing similar hurdles.