Susan Bryan

Susan Bryan meets challenges with accomplishments. Visually impaired since birth, she enrolled at TCC Northeast Campus three years ago to continue her post-high school education. It has taken 30 years to get here.

A desire to look beyond herself motivated Bryan to enroll in college.

"My interest is in helping people," Bryan said. "That's why I chose the medical field where we (health information managers) are going to be greatly needed."

The 64-year-old Cleburne-area resident takes both online and classroom courses to keep pace with and sometimes outdo her peers. The academically-honored Bryan is pursuing a career in clerical medical health information, an occupation formerly known as medical records keeper.

"I really do give God all the glory for everything that happens in my life. You have your downs and you have your ups," said Bryan.

Distance Learning is one huge "up," and a critical part of her success, she said.

"I really enjoy working helping others," Bryan said. "Even though the medical clerical positions are behind-the-scene jobs, I feel this is a great opportunity to help others who are in need."

With the use of high-resolution image enlargement technology and speech-activated software, Bryan has performed admirably. She made As in all her classes including Texas history, applied psychology and environmental biology.

Bryan credits her success to Daisy DuBose, assistant professor in the Office Administration Program.

"She gave me the foundation I needed and assisted me in coordinating my classes," said Bryan. "The Distance Learning classes provide such advantages for people with disabilities. It's so wonderful to have people working on your behalf."

DuBose nominated Bryan for an Instructional Technology Council of Washington, D.C., e-Learning award. Bryan won third place at the group's annual conference held earlier this year in Fort Worth and co-sponsored by TCC and the Dallas County Community College District. The awards are given to Distance Learning students who have performed exceptionally in spite of health, financial or physical impairments.

"My parents raised me to conquer every challenge in life," Bryan said, adding "I keep looking forward to the future."

--  By Debra Dennis