Ryan S. Brandenberg / Temple University

When most people think of disabilities, they think of physical disabilities like those associated with cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury. But not all disabilities are immediately discernible. Madison Carter was diagnosed with cancer after her first semester of college and underwent treatment for the next year. Her prognosis was good, but because her immune system was weakened by her treatments, her doctor was reluctant to let her return to school. Carter worked with Temple’s Disability Resources and Services department to develop strategies that enabled her to study and live at the university. She used her time in school to successfully build strong contacts and skills, and participate in the Federal Workforce Recruitment Program operated by DRS. Her efforts have paid off. She graduates with an excellent GPA and a job in hand. A week after commencement, she leaves for Germany to work for the U.S. Armed Forces.

Temple Times: Why did you choose Temple?

Madison Carter: I’m really a city girl and wanted to go to school in a big city. Also, I loved the fact that Temple was so close to home.

TT: What did you study?

MC: I majored in communications and minored in business. I ended up focusing on human resources and interned with a medical facility, Temple’s Faculty Senate and the training and development department in human resources at Temple.

 
TT: What was it like returning to school after your cancer treatment?

MC: I was so excited and I came back full throttle. I was determined to graduate on time and was able to make the dean’s list every semester.

TT: How did the experience change you?

MC: The big lesson I learned is that we’re given life for a specific purpose and that purpose is to live life to its full capacity every single day. Even with significant challenges or illnesses one can still achieve excellence academically and professionally through perseverance.

TT: What do you most value about your time at Temple?

MC: I made so many connections here. I loved the emphasis on professional development. All along the way, everyone was so ready to help me.

TT: To what do you attribute your success?

MC: I’ve always been the type of person who made my own way and I’ve always been a positive person. Yes, during my treatment, I did experience emotional upheaval and the ‘why mes?’ but I always knew I was going to be successful and wanted to achieve great things.

TT: What are your plans for the future?

MC: My whole family has worked for the government, so I was very interested in those kinds of opportunities. After interviewing on campus with the Federal Workforce Recruitment Program, I started getting internship offers, but what I really wanted was a full time job. Finally, I got the email of my life. It was a job offer with the U.S. Armed Forces in Heidelberg, Germany. It’s perfect. I’ll get international experience and will make lots of connections. I am treating the world as my oyster!

— Eryn Jelesiewicz