HawkStrong: Overcoming health challenges, HFC student helps formerly incarcerated women
Despite facing numerous challenges, lifelong Detroiter Ava Renee Willis is determined to graduate from HFC in 2022.
“I love HFC. Everybody – all the instructors – are so compassionate and caring. They want to see you succeed,” said Willis, who is pursuing her associate degree in business management.
In the last year and a half, Willis has faced life-threatening illnesses, including the coronavirus. She was on a ventilator for 15 days. Yet she managed to bounce back.
“I want people to know that there’s hope at the end of the tunnel, no matter how grim this looked,” she said. “That’s why I people to know about this.”
HFC instructors want you to succeed
When she first became sick, Willis was afraid that she would fail her classes. She informed her professors about her situation, and used the services of HFC’s Office of Assisted Learning Services. In the end, she was given incompletes in her courses, which allowed her to make up the coursework after she returned to health.
And she succeeded!
“I got As in two of my classes,” Willis declared proudly. “The instructors will go the extra mile to make sure you succeed. If you fail, it’s probably your fault, because there are so many resources on campus that you can reach out to. ALS provided the resources to help me when I couldn’t complete my assignments. They’ve spoken to my instructors so I can be allowed extra time when i need it.”
“The faculty and staff have assisted Ms. Willis in all the ways we can. I tell everyone I speak to who is registered or planning to register for classes at HFC that we are here for them. Ms. Willis has many health issues that create obstacles for her success, yet she is still motivated to complete her degree in a timely manner,” said HFC ALS counselor Ammie Helling.
Mended Hearts Detroit
After graduating from Cooley High School in Detroit in 1982, Willis went directly into the workforce. In 2009, she founded Mended Hearts Detroit, a non-profit organization for women who are being released from prison and returning to their communities in an effort to grow and thrive as productive members of society. Mended Hearts Detroit provides the necessary training to help these women become self-sufficient and prevent their return to prison.
“I once had some trouble with the law many years ago, and I got a second chance. I wanted to give these women a second chance,” said Willis. “Earning my associate degree will show that I’ve achieved the necessary credentials to run a non-profit, that I have the business acumen to do it. I have been touched by the compassion the people at HFC have had for me in order to succeed. That means a lot when you’re going through a lot. You need somebody to have compassion for you. I would recommend HFC to anyone.”