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Remember this woman raising a child after losing a leg? She's now a college graduate

Sydney Learning has faced a lot of adversity in her life — but that didn't stop her from following her dreams.

Last Friday, armed with her trusty crutches, the 30-year-old Cartwright woman walked across the stage to graduate from Keyin College's dental assisting program.

"I can't even explain the words. Honestly, I just — I'm so grateful," she later told CBC News.

"I still can't believe that I even did it."

Learning lost her left leg to flesh-eating disease 15 years ago.

When she last spoke with CBC News in March, Learning explained the challenges she has faced as a full-time student who is also a single mom, to four-year-old Royal — all while negotiating the world on crutches.

Now, she's one of the first amputees to graduate from the dental assisting program at Keyin College in Newfoundland and Labrador.

'Overcome significant barriers'

Learning said she got a surprise at the graduation ceremony: she was given the Ethel May Drover Award, which recognizes a student who has overcome significant barriers to obtain an education and to succeed in their field of study.

Sherry Vivian/CBC
Sherry Vivian/CBC

"My heart was pounding so hard and honestly, to even try to keep my composure and not just like ball, even before I got to the stage, [it took] everything in me."

Learning said she experienced a lot of ups and downs while going through the program.

"There were so many tears, you know — you're crying because you're excited, and you're crying because [of] the stress of the course load.… You really do have to apply yourself to your studies," she said.

"I would go to bed with Royal at 8 p.m … and then I would set my alarm to wake up at 2:30 a.m. and study, and stay up for the rest of the day."

She added with a laugh, "I'm so glad those days are over!"

Sherry Vivian/CBC
Sherry Vivian/CBC

But Learning said the most difficult aspect of getting through the program came on a personal front, when her father died suddenly last year.

"It was probably the hardest thing I've ever been through," she said, noting that she kept up her studies because her dad would have wanted her to.

"I think he was with me in that moment [when I graduated], and he shared it with me. And I know for a fact that he is definitely really proud of it."

'A bright future'

Learning said she also felt a lot of pride at the graduation ceremony when she saw her daughter's excitement — and realized that she had secured a solid foundation for their future.

I can't wait to see where life is going to take us. - Sydney Learning

"As soon as I got the piece of paper, my diploma, in my hand, I knew we're going to be OK," she said.

"Especially as a single mom, education is everything in society. And just to know that I've done that for the both of us … that I'll get a career and I can provide more for both of us, and stability, and just overall a bright future.… I'm so excited. I can't wait to see where life is going to take us."

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