Rebekah Ferguson ’21: A Voice Reclaimed, a Life Rebuilt

 

For Rebekah Ferguson, enrolling at Corning Community College was more than a step toward a degree. It was a turning point that changed the course of her life. As a single mother to an eight-year-old daughter on the autism spectrum, she found herself at a crossroads, needing a career that would provide stability and opportunity for both of them. Rebekah says, "Our world had changed dramatically and I found myself needing to make a career change that would provide for my daughter and myself." When she discovered CCC's online A.S. in Business Administration program, she knew it was the perfect fit. The program allowed her to continue working during the day while completing her courses at night, giving her the flexibility to pursue her goals while keeping her family at the center of her life.

While Rebekah majored in business administration, some of her most formative experiences came through her English I and II courses with Professor Ryan Hersha, whose classes ultimately had the greatest impact on the person she is today. "It seems that each topic and literary work that was chosen for our class was somehow chosen for me," she says. Though she knew this wasn't literally the case, each assignment became a safe haven to write about and work through eleven years of very personal and tumultuous experiences she and her daughter had endured. "If it wasn't for my time at CCC; in those moments of writing, being given the safe space to express myself, share about the abuse that we suffered, and come to the realization I wasn't alone in those experiences, I would not be the person I am today." These classes helped Rebekah reconnect with her voice, strengthen her confidence, and move from a place of survival toward possibility.

Between work, school, and parenting, her days were long and demanding. Evenings often became a quiet time for coursework while her daughter slept, a rhythm that required perseverance, discipline, and determination. Each assignment completed and every insight gained reinforced her belief that she could build a future defined by resilience and purpose.

Graduating from CCC in 2021 marked a significant milestone, but Rebekah's journey was just beginning. Her experiences and memories at CCC provided a foundation on which to rebuild her life. She transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh and earned her B.S. in Accounting, growing into a confident professional while nurturing a thriving daughter. "CCC molded and shaped me into a proud single mother of a 16-year-old daughter who is thriving," she reflects. The College gave her the strength to move from feeling lost and uncertain to standing tall in her achievements.

Rebekah's professional journey further affirmed the impact of her education. After completing her bachelor's degree, she joined Insero Advisors LLC / Insero & Co CPAs, LLP, where she has been a valued member of the audit team for three years. She recalls that her interview with the firm's audit department partners was a pivotal moment. "I knew it was a place any accountant, whether new to the field or looking for a change, would want to join." One of the most meaningful experiences in her career came when she realized that CCC was one of the audits her team conducted. Walking back onto the campus that had given her a foundation for growth "was such an exhilarating moment for me as it felt like coming back home."

Today, Rebekah encourages students to begin their educational journeys at CCC, knowing firsthand the transformative impact the college can have. "CCC offers community and a sense of home when students are taking that first step out of their comfort zone," she says. For Rebekah, the College provided more than a degree. It offered belonging, resilience, and the confidence to imagine and build a brighter future for herself and her daughter.

 

 

Support & Resources
If you or someone you know is seeking support related to abuse, confidential help is available locally and regionally:

Local Support:

• First Step Victim Services (Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler) — serving Chemung & Schuyler Counties — 24/7 hotline: 607‑742‑9629
• Arbor Housing & Development Domestic Violence Services — serving Steuben County — 1‑800‑286‑3407

Regional and National Support:

• 211 Helpline (Finger Lakes Region) — referrals to domestic violence counseling, crisis intervention, and other local services — Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑346‑2211
• New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline — confidential 24/7 support and referrals statewide — 1‑800‑942‑6906
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — free, confidential national support — 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.