My name is Kyleigh Tokar. I was planning to go to Southern Wesleyan University, but four days before I was supposed to move in, I received the news that my cancer had come back.

I have a cancer that is very rare and hard to control. I didn’t know if I was going to go through chemo, so I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I decided to stay home while I figured things out. After six months off, I decided to go back to school and plan for my future. I’m currently studying early childhood special education.

What have you had to overcome along the way?

Before I was born, I had a stroke that paralyzed the right side of my brain. The doctors didn’t think that I would be able to talk, see or walk. I’m able to do all of those things to this day.

How does it feel accomplishing your goals?

I’m super happy and proud of myself. Now I can show little ones that no matter what they are going through, you can always do anything with the help of God and the people around you.

What do you view as the greatest benefits of technical college?

Technical college feels like “real” college. I think it’s smart to go to technical college before you go to a university. The classes at technical college are smaller. If you’re not comfortable going to a university at first, technical college lets you get a feel for what college is like without being overwhelmed by so many people in the classroom.

What have you learned about yourself on the journey?

As Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I stick to that bible verse that I can do all things through Christ.

What advice do you have for others on their journey?

You can overcome anything. You can’t let anything hinder you and stop you from what you want to achieve. When you push through, you come out stronger than before.