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Mom Awarded Honorary MBA After Supporting Quadriplegic Son Through Every Class
When life takes an unexpected turn, the lengths to which a mother will go for her child can be truly astonishing. Take the case of Heather Collins, who exemplified this unwavering support for her son, Jake, a 29-year-old who became a quadriplegic after a tragic accident in 2012. Following a fall down a flight of stairs, Jake’s life changed dramatically; he had previously graduated from college and worked internationally in sales.
Jake quickly began physical therapy, but he felt lost and uncertain about his future. As he searched for direction, he discovered MBA programs and chose to enroll in the Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University. While the school offered him the focus he desperately needed, he faced challenges due to his condition.
Jake utilized voice recognition software and a specialized stylus for his studies, but he was unable to take notes or raise his hand during class. This is where his mother, Heather, stepped in to help. On May 20 of this year, Jake officially graduated with his MBA. Throughout this journey, he learned invaluable lessons about resilience and self-discovery. “I never anticipated how difficult it would be to go back to school without being able to write or raise my hand. It made me reflect on my strengths and how I could adapt,” he shared on the Chapman University blog.
Heather, a retired elementary school teacher from Los Angeles, was not only a supportive presence but also received an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony. As she proudly wheeled Jake across the stage, she was taken by surprise with this recognition, which was initiated by Jake as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for her unwavering support.
“I did it willingly,” Heather told ABC News. “When a spinal cord injury occurs, there’s a strong desire to fix everything, yet you often can’t. Helping Jake succeed in this way was something I could do, and I’m truly grateful to have been able to assist him.”
With his MBA in hand, Jake, a former competitive snowboarder and volleyball player, is set to join a youth action sports startup called DIVERTcity in the role of head of corporate sponsorships. We have no doubt he will excel, and we can bet that Heather will be by his side, cheering him on every step of the way.
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Summary
Heather Collins exemplified maternal devotion by attending every class alongside her quadriplegic son, Jake, as he pursued his MBA. The journey not only led to Jake’s graduation but also resulted in Heather receiving an honorary degree, showcasing the power of support and resilience in the face of adversity.