Meet our heroes

Our story is their story, and your story, too.

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From Pause to Purpose: Andrey’s Journey Back

After pausing his studies due to the pandemic and a military re-enlistment, Andrey found the courage to return to his education, aiming for a career in Homeland Security. With support from ReUp, he re-enrolled in school and re-adjusted to academic life. Now he’s on his way to achieving his ultimate goal.

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Joel: From Uncertainty to Determination

Joel’s inspiring story is one of resilience and perseverance. With the support of his ReUp Success Coach, he overcame repeated setbacks and social anxiety, steadfastly pursuing his passion for healthcare education.

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The Next Chapter: Keisha’s Comeback

Keisha Solomon paused her education after facing numerous challenges and hurdles. But her newfound passion for psychology and a determination to help others led her to re-enroll at Triton College. Keisha has successfully balanced work, church, and school with the support of her ReUp Success Coach.

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It’s Never Too Late: Alex’s Journey

After battling and beating lung cancer and serving as his mother’s caretaker over the last decade before she passed away, Alex faced several circumstances beyond his control, each shaping his outlook on life and his path back to college.

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The Art of Taking Little Steps

A consummate survivor, Mercedes Rain-Tree Adams has overcome tremendous obstacles to earn her degree—and develop a more positive outlook on the future.Adult learners stop out of school for many reasons. Sometimes, the financial burden of a college education becomes too much to bear. For others, the struggle to balance courses with work and family results in the hard choice to leave school. For Mercedes Rain-Tree Adams, family tragedy and the need to focus on her own mental health required a yearlong break from her studies at Old Dominion University. And even after returning to campus from her much-needed sabbatical, Mercedes

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