Special to the Leader-Press
COPPERAS COVE, TX (June 17, 2026)-- For many students, earning a college degree requires determination, perseverance, and hard work. For Kelly Deeds of Copperas Cove, it required all of that and more.
Completely blind with no vision, Deeds never expected college graduation to become part of her story.
"I never thought about it until one of the CTC Disabilities Coordinators spoke to me about it," she said.
After relocating to Copperas Cove and taking a lengthy break from college, Deeds worked part-time as a note-taker for students through CTC's Disability Support Services. During a conversation with a disabilities coordinator, she learned she was much closer to completing a degree than she realized.
"I thought I could determine where my associate of arts degree would take me if I finished it," Deeds said. "In addition, I was much closer to achieving it than I had thought."
Motivated by the opportunity to gain knowledge and strengthen her academic skills, she returned to the classroom. She pursued a general studies curriculum because it would provide flexibility and open multiple career paths.
The same job that inspired her return to college also helped prepare her for success.
"Note-taking enhanced some skills I was already proficient in, such as typing, spelling, memorization and communication," she said.
In May 2012, Deeds earned her Associate of Arts degree. Four years later, she achieved another milestone, graduating with honors and earning an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Arts and Sciences.
Success did not come easily. Deeds relied on screen-reading software, voice-activated technology, a Braille note-taker, lecture recordings and countless hours of studying. She frequently sought tutoring through CTC's Academic Studio and formed study partnerships with classmates.
"During the time I worked on my Associate of Arts degree, I acquired several studying partners, which benefited my progress to success immensely," she said.
Science and laboratory courses often presented unique challenges. There were moments when Deeds questioned whether she could complete her second degree, but she refused to let doubt prevail.
"Remembering that having more abilities counts more than having disabilities in regard to achieving academic goals helped increase my determination and motivation," she said.
Her support system played a critical role in her journey. Family members, professors, Disability Support Services staff, tutors and fellow students continually encouraged her to keep moving forward.
"Different students and other people I met on the CTC campus persistently reminded me that I could do anything as long as I consistently put forth endeavors to accomplish my academic desires," she said.
Today, Deeds considers her degrees more than personal achievements. She hopes her success helps raise awareness and inspire others who are blind to pursue higher education.
"Achieving college degrees is possible to help increase varieties of options for individuals' futures," she said.
For Deeds, those possibilities became reality, not just once, but twice.
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