In the early 1980s, Kathy Carr Medley, was a 16-year-old high school drop out with a baby on the way. By her early 20s, she had four more children, and was stuck in a psychologically abusive marriage with an alcoholic husband. Kathy knew she wanted a better life for her children, and decided to leave her marriage.

For a little while, she scraped by on her own, but knew that returning to school was key to a brighter future. Determined to turn her life around, Kathy first obtained her high school diploma and then enrolled in a state university program to become a dental hygienist.

Despite many hardships, and having to drive two hours each way to and from school, Kathy persevered, and now has a lucrative career as a dental hygienist. She is happily remarried, raising a blended family with her husband, and is the proud co-owner of a hardware store.

"I'm enjoying life to the fullest," says Kathy, proving that with hard work and determination, any dream is possible.