Lindsay Alvarez is a success story, anyway that you look at it. After working for seven years to achieve her goal, she recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of South Alabama.She plans to start an online master’s program after she enjoys some time off this summer. As she explained about dealing with her cerebral palsy while working on her degree “Just like in my favorite TV show, ‘The Amazing Race,’ there are roadblocks and detours along the way.”

She graciously recognized all of the people who helped her along the way to achieve her goal. As she said, “It is easy to say that I did it, but I didn’t do it alone; my mom, grandma, the teachers, the attendant – all had to be there at some point along the way. I did the work, but they gave me the tools.”While studying at USA, Alvarez overcame unbelievable obstacles. She lost three of her grandparents, a cousin and two friends; she underwent two surgeries for her cerebral palsy and had many medical problems; and she has accessibility issues on campus. But, as her mom Daphne Alvarez said, “It took her twice as long, and she worked twice as hard.” Alvarez recounted how, at her graduation party, Dr. Valerie Bryan, the head of the social work department, said, “You did it!” Alzarez replied, “No, we did it – with 700 accommodations!”