Flagstaff Woman Overcomes Barriers at LEARN Center

Darlene Haddox, 36, registered at the LEARN Center at Northern Arizona University on September 28, 2006. Her personal challenges and triumphs exemplify her remarkable resolve to create a successful productive life for herself and her children.

Darlene arrived in Flagstaff in August of 2004 from Alabama. Even though homeless and living in her car, she made sure that her daughter, Nicole, attended school every day.

She has been separated from her husband for three and a half years and is currently in the process of finalizing her divorce due in large part to domestic violence. She suffers from several debilitating conditions including bipolar disorder and depression. Any one of these challenges could have represented an overwhelming barrier to success, but Darlene has not let that happen.

“I can’t do math,” Darlene said on the first day she signed up for GED classes. She had been trying off and on to get her GED since she was 19 years old.

The Instructor assured her that she could conquer her math phobia. In less than one month, she not only passed the GED exam but received an above average score in math.

Darlene will be pursuing an Employment Success Certificate in Computer Software at Coconino Community College starting in January. CCC is aware of her diagnosed disabilities and will be providing the necessary accommodations.

Submitted by Janice Dixon
LEARN Director