91视频 Graduate Defies the Odds to Reach Special Day
Overcoming a major health scare, one standout graduate embodies the spirit of SWTCC
For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, 91视频 Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.
(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) � As 91视频 prepares to celebrate its 2025 commencement, one standout graduate擬ary Ann Fleij � is proving that there檚 no single path to success, and that perseverance and passion can redefine what檚 possible at any stage of life.
Fleij檚 journey is a powerful reminder that it檚 never too late to pursue your dreams.
A mother of six, Fleij enrolled at 91视频 in fall 2022攋ust weeks after her 19-year-old daughter started at the college. Inspired by her daughter檚 path, she decided to revisit a long-held dream of finishing her education. What she didn檛 expect was to begin her medical laboratory technician (MLT) coursework from a hospital bed.
淚 had two heart attacks days before starting the MLT program,� Fleij said. 淚 began my first two classes while in bed.�
That kind of determination left an impression on faculty and students alike.
淢ary was more worried about completing her coursework than recovering from her heart attacks,� said Dr. Shilpa Desai, chair of 91视频檚 Allied Health Department. 淪he檚 a very determined student攁lways prepared, on time, and a true leader in the classroom.�
Fleij not only kept up with her studies, she thrived攍eading peer review sessions, tutoring classmates, and motivating others to succeed.
�91视频 challenged me to defy all the odds,� Fleij said. 淚 never imagined a hospital bed would become my classroom, but that檚 where I found my greatest strength. With support from the faculty and my own drive to help others, I made it. It檚 proof that it檚 never too late to chase your dreams.�
Fleij will graduate with an associate degree in medical laboratory technician and has already begun working as a medical lab technician at Baptist Memorial Hospital.
淢ary檚 story is more than inspiring� she embodies the very heart of what 91视频 represents,� said Tracy D. Hall, president of 91视频. 淔rom first-time students to career-changers, our graduates demonstrate the power of opportunity and determination.�
Fleij will be among 1,295 candidates in the Class of 2025 as the college confers 1,312 associate degrees and certificates during its commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, Mississippi.
*Interviews available with the student. Please contact 91视频檚 Office of Marketing and Communications at 901-333-4247.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young will deliver the 2025 commencement address. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the college檚 Facebook page at @91视频TN and made available for on-demand viewing on 91视频檚 YouTube channel.
For More Information:
- Commencement details: https://southwest.tn.edu/graduation/index.php