A headshot of Amaka Edith EbokaAmaka Edith Eboka found the support she needed at San Bernardino Valley College. She first enrolled at SBVC in the summer of 2010, and returned in fall 2015. Eboka is disabled, and did not have any resources until she arrived at SBVC. “When I came back to SBVC, I had nothing,” she said. “My hopes were shattered. The only job I knew how to do was nurse assistant, which I could no longer do due to my ill health.” Eboka’s daughter was born with sickle cell anemia, and both were in and out of the hospital. “I was beginning to lose it,” she said, but “when I stepped into SBVC, the CalWORKs staff embraced me and encouraged me.” CalWORKs helps students reach their educational goals by providing assistance with services like employment assistance, child care, and book vouchers.

Eboka said the team has gone the “extra mile” to provide her with not only support and counseling, but necessities like clothing.

Other departments on campus have lended a helping hand as well. The SBVC Police Department recently surprised her with a small room heater. “I am pleased to be associated with SBVC Disabled Student Programs and Services, as they have a great support program for all disabled students,” Eboka said. “Ms. Ana [Bojorquez] is always willing to help every student that walks into the High Tech Center, and I think that’s awesome.”

Eboka is studying human services, and plans on becoming a substance abuse counselor. She has enjoyed taking classes with professors Melinda Moneymaker, Maria Cox, and Scott Hoage, who all told her one thing: “You can do it, don’t ever give up.” “I appreciate my professors for their hard work,” she said. Eboka lives with pain every day, “but I do not allow my limitation to determine how far I can go in life,” she said.

The support she has received from financial aid, CalWORKs, and other departments has helped Eboka push forward, with her determination carrying her further. “There is an ability in every disability,” she said.