Alison knows the definition of "challenge." She's lived it and come out the other side. Five years ago, she thought she had her whole life figured out. She had just graduated from high school, and was headed to a four-year university to major in exercise physiology while playing tennis. But when the reality of cost set in, Alison and her parents decided a two-year college was the best investment for her future.

Alison began a program of study at her local community college; unfortunately, a serious illness prevented her from completing the degree. With her dream of a college education interrupted, Alison stayed occupied with a variety of odd jobs that allowed her to travel.

Ten minutes into her first final at the local community college near Alison's hometown, she became ill and had to have her mom come and take her home. Over the next few days, and after numerous tests, she was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which made her feel weak and tired. Soon Alison's symptoms got worse. She had severe abdominal pain, headaches, and vomiting, and then lapsed into a state of paralysis lasting 72 hours. Her diagnosis was changed to meningitis.

Once she regained her strength, and over the next year, Alison had to relearn basic everyday functions we all take for granted, like eating and walking.

Her dream of a college education interrupted, Alison kept occupied with a variety of odd jobs that allowed her to travel the states for the next several years.

In between jobs, and while visiting family in Ohio, Alison searched the Internet for "How to become a park ranger." Her research led her to Hocking College and its highly respected Natural Resources Department. It was then she decided it was time to get back on track and pursue a degree that would lead to a rewarding career.

The challenges continued, but Alison persevered. Her resources exhausted, the only way she could afford to stay in college was to sell her car; however, she remained positive and focused on her goal. And she succeeded. She earned her degree, and following graduation, headed to Colorado to be a park ranger. She thanks Hocking for giving her "some life-long tools," and for setting "the foundation" for her future.

Will you help students like Alison achieve their dreams? Your donation to Hocking College makes dreams come true everyday for students who, for financial reasons, find a degree out of reach. We appreciate your dedication to the college and our students, and we need your help now more than ever, to help more students like Alison.

Our dream is that all Hocking College students obtain their degrees and go out into the workforce with little or no college debt; that our faculty and staff to have the resources they need to provide a world-class educational experience for our students; and for this to happen in buildings conducive to learning, with 21st technology so our students have the experiences they need to succeed in their careers.

Reductions in government funding...
The elimination of Ohio College Opportunity Grants for our students...
An increase in the amount of student loan debt...
Recent changes in the federal Pell Grant program that have tightened restrictions on eligibility...

These are the realities we face. They're challenges that we can, and will, overcome, if we work together.

Hocking College plays an important role, not only in our individual students' lives, but also in Southeastern Ohio's economy. And that's one of the reasons we come to you today.

Your contribution is vitally important to Hocking College - both for today and into the future.