Barbara Nelson

Tri-C alum Barbara Nelson’s success story is one of persistence, exploration, commitment and creativity. Nelson earned her high school diploma with honors in night school at John Hay High School while raising her young child. She knew that completing her education was key to providing for her family.

Thanks to those high school honors, Nelson received child care support from Tri-C’s Human Services program while she pursued an Associate of Science degree, earning a place on the dean’s list at graduation. Though she initially planned to continue her education at The Ohio State University, Nelson entered the workforce instead as she and her husband purchased their home and continued to grow their family.

She pursued a career in health care, working for 20 years at Marymount Hospital as an accredited records technician until her retirement. A nurturer, she became a devoted grandmother and helped raise her three grandchildren. Caring for children became her new mission, and Nelson took on roles as a child care provider and foster parent for Cuyahoga County.

Persistence and creativity are vital to Nelson, who is a breast cancer survivor. She’s written a book and more than 60 songs — 20 of which have been professionally produced. She’s also started taking piano lessons and plays at church functions.

“Tri-C helped me broaden my horizons by seeing other areas and fields of study to explore, like creative arts,” Nelson said.

Her advice to students is to focus on their dreams and stay determined to succeed.

“Try wholeheartedly to do the best that you can and always seek advice from the counselors to assist you,” she said.