- Major: Electronic Media Communications
- High School: Corcoran, class of 2018
Jalyn Handford is an inspiration. She’s been disabled since age 12 when surgery related to a spinal cord injury left her in a wheelchair. Through it all she’s never felt sorry for herself or had a ‘why me’ moment.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being disabled but when it happened I was at peace. I knew there were risks related to the surgery. Knowing I’m overcoming the various traumas I have experienced is my motivation to get up and be the best I can be. I stay positive and upbeat by doing things I like and love.”
Handford has found many things she likes and loves on the OCC campus since coming here from Corcoran High School two years ago. She’s an Electronic Media Communications major who has done so well with her coursework she was inducted into the College’s chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Hanford even became an officer in PTK, serving as its Vice President for Public Relations. She’s also been active in the Educational Opportunity Program and an officer in the Black Student Union. Hanford credits OCC’s Office of Accessibility Resources, also known as OAR, with help paving her road to success. “They’ve really been my go to people. They’ve helped me with things like teacher interactions and financial aid. They’ve been very kind to me.”
Handford will complete work toward her degree in May. She plans to transfer to a four-year college, earn her bachelor’s degree, become a digital media journalist, and one day start a media management and content creation company. When she gets there it will be because of the foundation she built at OCC. “I furthered my skills, made lifelong friends, and great connections. I’m a very different person from when I started here two years ago. I’m more dimensional and able to mold myself to fit in certain places or situations. I’m also more accepting of things. Everything can’t be the way I envision it. If things aren’t meant to be, it’s okay.”
