Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
When Barbara Bennett looks back at the last five years, the word resilient hardly feels big enough.
The Longview, Washington, resident has battled cancer, recovered from a stroke that left her temporarily paralyzed, moved her family across state lines and continued working full time while raising three children. Through all of it, she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in behavioral analysis from ASU Online.
“I never gave up and I never asked for any favors,” Bennett says. “I put in the work and I was able to achieve my goal.”
Bennett’s decision to study sociology was rooted in her own life experiences. Growing up in a family affected by addiction, she learned early what hardship looks like, and how healing begins.
“I had a rough childhood where both my parents struggled with addiction and so did my siblings,” she says. “I turned away from that path. When my sister was struggling, I was able to help my sister find her sobriety. That's when I found my calling to help others.”
That experience inspired her to pursue a path where she could help others. Now working as a mental health clinician, Bennett says her goal is simply to be there for others going through tough times.
“My goal for this degree is to be able to help someone heal from their struggles by being a listener,” she says. “I am blessed and grateful that I get to help others.”
While pursuing her degree, Bennett faced a series of medical and personal obstacles that might have stopped most people. During her second year, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer and underwent a full hysterectomy. The recovery was long and grueling, both physically and emotionally.
Not long after, her family moved 1,400 miles from their home — and two months later, she suffered a stroke that left the entire left side of her body paralyzed.
“I was able to make a recovery, although I still walk with a limp,” she says. “With all of those things, I held a full-time job and took care of my three children.”
She credits her determination — and the encouragement of her family, professors and advisors — with helping her continue when things felt impossible.
As Bennett celebrates her upcoming graduation, we caught up to ask about her ASU journey.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: I learned that anyone can go back to school and be a success. I met some pretty awesome people and I'm grateful I was able to meet them in this journey.
Q: Shout out a professor, advisor or mentor who made a big impact on your journey — what did you learn from them?
A: My advisor Jennifer Nelson. She made sure I was on the right track and made sure that I was successful. Janine Cawthorne was the best professor I had. She was so kind to me in such a rough part of my life and I'll never forget her genuine kindness. Also, Benjamin Young — he made sure I was successful my last semester and I am so grateful for him and his understanding.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Never give up. You started this journey for a reason — keep pushing for it. I believe in you and I am proud of you.
Q: What’s one change you’d love to see in the world — and how would you use your degree to help make it happen?
A: To help remove the stigma around mental health. I will use my degree to help counsel the people struggling.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: I'm so incredibly grateful that I finished. I had so many challenges and I had so many doubts that I could finish, but I did. I had support from my husband, children and my dad. My dad was a huge contributor and would help me with assignments when it came to mock sessions and having to do the trials for behavioral analysis classes. I am eternally grateful for him and his unconditional love and patience. I'm blessed beyond words that I can be a positive role model for my children.
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