Dominique Baker married her high school sweetheart and planned to pursue a degree in social work, but her first semester in college proved to be both financially and mentally exhausting. As her family grew and Dominique took stock of the things she wanted for herself and her two children, she made the decision to leave her husband at age 25 and focus on her family’s future. She was inspired by a friend to return to school for a medical billing degree back home in Michigan. The move posed many challenges, and when a close family member passed away unexpectedly, Dominique had a mental breakdown. She faced housing insecurity and even made the best of living in a shelter while studying. And when she sought support from family and the help of professionals, she was able to get through one of the darkest periods of her life, and develop the tools to stay focused on her educational goals. Reporter Brenda León shares Dominique’s story.

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