Gaston College super graduates: One overcame addiction, the other a language barrier

Gaston College recognizes two soon-to-be graduates for their outstanding accomplishments while overcoming obstacles throughout their two-year journey.

Both students will graduate alongside their peers at 10 a.m. Friday, May 13, at CaroMont Health Park, located at 800 W. Franklin Blvd., in Gastonia.

Hillary Ford

After suffering from domestic violence and addiction, Ford never thought an associate degree would be in her future.

The Bessemer City resident said the challenges she encountered led her to pursue an education at Gaston College.

“I never thought I would go back to school, have the GPA I have, and be able to help other people,” said Ford, who will receive an associate of arts degree.

Ford, a mother and domestic violence advocate, has been sober for 5½ years and admits that she has overcome the impossible to reach this point in her life.

“I am showing my child that, even though she is on the spectrum, she can do anything she wants to and even if she stopped at high school she can always go back to school,” Ford said.

Upon graduation, Ford plans to attend Fort Hays State University to receive a bachelor's degree online in sociology.

Ford aspires to become an addiction counselor in the future.

"I want to tell people my story and let them know that they can overcome things too, and that they’re not alone,” Ford said.

Quaowu Ohin

Quaowu Ohin has been described by his friends and family as a caregiver.

In May, not only will he graduate with an associate degree in nursing but he will also start a full-time job at the Intensive Care Unit at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, in Gastonia.

Originally from West Africa, Ohin moved to the United States in 2001. At first, he struggled to learn English to communicate properly with others.

“Like most people I came here to have a better life and to have more opportunities,” said Ohin.

Ohin began his nursing education journey at Gaston College in the fall of 2020.

A husband and father to three kids, Ohin says he wants to show his children that they can do anything they set their mind to.

“I want them to see that you can do anything and that it does not matter where you come from, who you are or how people see you,” said Ohin.

With a language barrier and a different culture, Ohin struggled to keep his grades up, but says his professors and mentors are the reason behind his recent success.

“I have to give a shout-out to all of them. They know the barriers I face, and they always push me and encourage me to be better,” Ohin said.

Though he has a job lined up after graduation, Ohin plans to continue his education to one day become a nurse practitioner.

Ohin hopes his story can inspire other immigrants, to reach their goals and overcome their obstacles.

“I would encourage everyone to never give up. Know your weaknesses and work on them. Have a good support system around you,” said Ohin.

Beatriz Guerrero can be reached at 704-869-1828 or on Twitter@BeatrizGue_.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston College announces outstanding graduates