Beginning in 2020, 911爆料网 student Sherria Hannah faced challenges that few could have imagined. First, she lost her mother. A week later, she had a stroke, from which she fortunately recovered. The next year, in 2021, she developed Guillain-Barr茅 syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects the body鈥檚 nervous system, taking from her the ability to walk for nine months.
鈥婬owever, what began as a period marked by loss and illness has set Hannah on a new course of self-improvement. In 2023, she returned to RCBC, where she had previously attended to earn her degree.
鈥嬧淚鈥檝e been out of work now for quite a while, for six years due to the medical crisis,鈥 Hannah said. 鈥淪o I sought out RCBC for an education to get a degree so that when I do return to work, I鈥檒l have some education behind me.鈥
鈥婬annah graduated from Burlington Township High School in 1997 and spent the subsequent years working, including roles in administration in the medical field and as a realtor. At RCBC, she enrolled in the 3+1 Business Administration program, a choice influenced by her previous administrative role, which also gives her the most flexibility to navigate which field to enter when she returns to work.
鈥婤ut stepping into the classroom again was not going to be easy for Hannah.
鈥嬧淚 was very scared,鈥 Hannah admitted. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know if I could afford it鈥 I didn鈥檛 know if I would go through another health crisis that would stop my progression.鈥
鈥婬annah held fast to meeting her goal, first completing classes online due to her medical conditions. Soon, she was back in person for certain classes, such as algebra. While on campus, she also took the time to participate in the various Student Life activities held in the Student Success Center, including creative wellness workshops and activities.
鈥婬elping her in her return to school was the college鈥檚 Office of Student Support. One counselor, Reagan Copeland, was especially helpful. Through the Office, Hannah was able to secure accommodations available to students with disabilities.鈥
Hannah will be graduating with her associate degree at winter commencement. With the conclusion of her studies, she has found herself a different person than she was just two years ago.
鈥嬧淚鈥檓 definitely smarter, more confident in my abilities versus what my disabilities are,鈥 Hannah said. 鈥淚鈥檓 more understanding of the diversity in different walks of life that people have gone through to get to where we are鈥 I quickly learned that there were people older than me who were still pursuing education, and it really just opened the possibilities for me.鈥濃
Hannah earned the President鈥檚 Award for her accomplishments and will be speaking at the 1 pm commencement on Wednesday, Dec. 17. She hopes to relay the message of perseverance to her cohort.
鈥嬧淚 hope that they get there are no limits. There鈥檚 no limits. It鈥檚 never too late.鈥
Learn more about RCBC winter commencement at .
