DIGHTON — The strength and determination of her 17-year-old daughter inspired Aimee Rodrigues, 35, to pursue a degree as an occupational therapy assistant at Bristol Community College. As a senior in high school, Rodrigues gave birth to her daughter Leanna, who suffered a stroke in utero and was subsequently diagnosed with a rare brain abnormality.

Doctors told Aimee that her daughter would never be able to talk on her own, eat on her own or walk on her own. Years of therapies followed and she started achieving goals, ultimately walking independently at age 14. But when the pandemic hit, Aimee was thrust into serving as Leanna's teacher and therapist, which ultimately inspired her to go back to school.

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