When Kendra Brooks, first stepped onto the Trinity Valley Community College – Athens in Fall 2024, she never imagined she’d return.

Back in 2004, her college experience was rough. She missed classes, which led to dropped classes, and she felt like just another name on a roster in a system that didn’t see her. As a young mom recovering from an abusive relationship, she was simply trying to survive a difficult life—and the one place she had hoped would help seemed to turn its back on her.

“I swore I wouldn’t return,” Kendra said, remembering the sting of being dismissed from a class after missing one too many days. “I worked so hard, did all the assignments, and still got written off.”

Back then, she felt invisible—like her struggles outside the classroom didn’t matter.

But this time, something felt different. She sensed a shift in the campus atmosphere, a new sense of care and community.

“You feel it now,” she said. “I never felt that before. I haven’t had a bad teacher. Every single one of them has been amazing. Everyone wants students to succeed and cares about our general well-being.”

Kendra’s journey back to college started unexpectedly. After signing up for internet service and receiving a $200 gift card, she thought, “If I can buy a computer with this, it’s time to go back to school.” It felt like a sign.

Returning wasn’t easy. She was re-learning to drive after temporary paralysis due to a medical complication during spine surgery, healing both physically and emotionally, and navigating the overwhelming world of higher education as a non-traditional student. Some days, she didn’t even have food to eat.

But with the support of her community, she found strength. Professors like Dr. Daniel Allen and Jennifer Hannigan didn’t just teach—they uplifted her. When she felt like giving up, they stepped in.

“All of my professors were understanding when I discussed the need to drop classes—all except Dr. Allen,” she recalled with a smile. “He refused to let me quit. He coordinated with my other instructors, helped me balance my workload, and made sure I had the support I needed. They all keep reminding me: ‘Give yourself grace. Keep showing up, even if you think you’re failing.’ That support— that belief in me—changed everything.”

Now, Kendra isn’t just surviving—she’s leading.

Inspired by the compassion she received, she’s working alongside faculty, staff, and fellow students to launch a new support club called Reconveying Cardinals, aimed at helping non-traditional students like herself. The club will offer mentorship, resource guides, orientation events for adult learners, and a safe place to connect.

“This isn’t just for non-traditional students,” she explained. “It’s for anyone trying to find where they belong. We want students to feel like this is their space.”

With plans for family-friendly events, collaborations with campus services, and accessible resource guides, Kendra is determined to build the kind of support network she once wished she had.

And, it all started with a conversation.

“The whole idea really began when I talked with Shaydi Clary from the TVCC Marketing Department,” Kendra said. “We were visiting at the Faculty Retreat on April 11, and she mentioned to me that my story could help someone else—and I couldn’t stop thinking about that. It made sense. If my experience could make someone else’s path easier, then it was time to find a way to help others. That’s when Reconveying Cardinals was created.”

What began as a spark has become a movement. With the guidance of club advisors Allen and Hannigan, and the support of Associate Vice President of Student Advocacy Melinda Berry, Vice President of Student Success Tammy Denney and President Dr. Jason Morrison, Kendra is proud to be creating a community where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

She hopes the club will do more than ease the college transition. She wants it to prevent dropouts, offer encouragement, and create a deep sense of belonging for anyone who feels overwhelmed.

“I want people to know: You’re not alone,” Kendra said. “College is hard. Life is hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. There are people here who care.”

Today, Kendra is working toward becoming a nurse practitioner with a specialization in infectious disease, building on more than two decades of experience in patient care. Whether she’s drawing blood or building a student organization, one thing is clear: Kendra is building community—one compassionate connection at a time.