Single Mother of 5 strides forward with help from Fairway 5K scholarship

In the midst of her second year, Eleni Kapasaki found herself needing a little extra boost. As a student in  ACC’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program, she was balancing school, work, and family.

“I’m raising five girls, and I want them to see that an education is powerful. I spent 11 years out of the classroom being a stay-at-home mom so I knew it was going to be an adjustment,” says Kapasaki. “Being a single mom, I am so grateful for all the help.”

This year, Kapasaki got the extra support she needed. She was awarded the ACC Fairway 5K Cross Country Scholarship proceeds from the race benefit PTA students directly.

“This opportunity changes people’s lives. It gives students the chance to move forward.”

After moving from Greece more than 20 years ago, Kapasaki started her journey with ACC in 2013. With the help of the Fairway 5K scholarship, she was able to overcome the bumps in the road, and is preparing to walk across the stage in May.

“Raising my kids alone and going back to school full time has been hard to balance. There were plenty times I cried because I didn’t think I could do it. However, my desire to be a physical therapy assistant, support from my girls, and self-discipline was stronger than self pity.”

The scholarships are something Kapasaki says come full circle. First she gets the help, now she will be out helping others. After graduating, she plans to work as a PTA in an in-patient rehab center or skilled nursing facility.

“This is a future investment. When I graduate I will be out working with someone’s mother, father, sibling, or friend who has suffered from a disease, cardiac, or stroke, to help improve their quality of life.”

This year, Kapasaki plans to give back as a participant in the Fairway 5K. The race is Sunday, March 3, at the ACC Riverside golf course. Registration is open through March 3. For more information and to register, visit austincc.edu/fairway5k.

For more information on the PTA program, visit austincc.edu/pta.

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