Tri-C helps Jenny Hebebrand negotiate a new lease on life

May 17, 2017

Jenny Hebebrand always dreamed of being a lawyer. At age 55, she is one step closer to achieving her dream, graduating from Cuyahoga Community College this month with an Associate of Arts degree.

For Hebebrand, the path has not been an easy one ‒ she has made some mistakes along the way.  But through her recovery process, she feels more empowered and determined than ever.

“There is no age cap on going to college,” she said. “If you have the desire to learn, just go!”

In 2014, Hebebrand’s Tri-C journey began. Having never attended college, she was nervous and intimidated, and did not know what to expect.  As she looked around, she encountered Jensen Hanna, a Tri-C recruiter. Hanna helped her take the steps that change her life.

Hanna assisted Hebebrand through every step of the enrollment process, directing her to counselors who helped her explore her career options, starting her on the road to her Tri-C degree.

“By earning this degree, I feel empowered,” Hebebrand said. “I succeeded at something that was difficult and challenging. But I had help along the way. I enjoyed the personal attention I received at Tri-C. My time at the College helped me grow.”

Hebebrand is enrolling at Cleveland State University, with her next two years already mapped out. Her long-term goal is to obtain a law degree at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

“I want to work for the department of corrections,” she said. “I want to educate women on how not to go back to prison. I want to inspire them and let them know success possible at any age.”

Throughout the month, we will be highlighting members of this spring's Tri-C graduating class. Click here to read more of their stories.