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Life under any circumstances can be a struggle. But when you’re 16 and raising a baby by yourself, the struggles might seem insurmountable. That may have even been the case for one young mother 20+ years ago, but today, her pride is tangible as she and that “baby” prepare to graduate from ��Ӱֱ�� State College together.

“I became a workaholic to support us,” says Maria Wood, Wellsville, who will receive her associate’s degree in accounting on May 16. “I worked in a variety of jobs, mostly in the banking area, though I have also been waitressing for the past 13 years!”

An unpleasant work situation spurred Maria to go to college.

Crystal, who will be receiving her associate’s degree in nursing on May 16, “graduated from high school in 2004, but struggled with her college courses during her first year,” says her mother.

“I didn’t have to study as hard to succeed in high school,” interjects Crystal.

But Crystal’s desire to become a nurse never wavered. She took two years off from ��Ӱֱ�� State and enrolled in a BOCES LPN course, where she was successful.

“About the same time Crystal enrolled in the BOCES LPN course, I was deciding to enroll at ��Ӱֱ�� State,” notes Maria.

Crystal was able to successfully challenge the second semester nursing courses, and returned as a third-semester student.

Maria, accepted through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), excelled in her courses, resulting in her induction into the EOP honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon.

It wasn’t easy, says Wood of the life path she chose, but she is happy and excited that she and her daughter are each about to enter a new life phase.

“We both loved attending ��Ӱֱ�� State College,” says Maria. “The faculty are wonderful and always willing to help students understand the subject matter.”

Crystal concurs: “The nursing program was not easy, but it was truly worthwhile.”

Crystal currently works locally as an LPN, but once she passes her licensing exam, she will explore her options.

Mom is content to stay local though she doesn’t rule out new adventures.

“I’ve achieved something that I thought was out of reach,” says Maria, “so I won’t rule out any possibilities—because anything is possible now.”