Auburn University junior Aidan Anderson, a Mobile native, has been named Student of the Year by the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
The award, presented Monday by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, recognizes students who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their education and future careers.
For Anderson, the honor represents a journey that began with uncertainty but evolved into determination.
“I was just super excited to know that I was being acknowledged with such a prestigious award,” he said. “When I first experienced my disability, I was filled with confusion and fear. To know that I was able to conquer it—it really meant the world to me.”
Finding Courage in the Middle of Change
Anderson began losing his vision during his freshman year of college.
The sudden shift forced him to rethink how he learned, studied, and navigated daily life. Instead of withdrawing, he leaned into the challenge.
He sought help, asked questions, and embraced the idea that his goals were still within reach.
That mindset, he says, became the turning point.
“I felt honored, enthusiastic, and excited,” he shared. What could have been the end of his academic path turned into the start of something new—a chance to redefine success on his own terms.
Support That Sparked Momentum
Behind every success story is someone who helps open a door.
For Anderson, that person was Carmen Young, a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
She worked with him to find adaptive tools and techniques to keep him moving forward in his studies.
“To me, that stands out a lot,” Young said. “You’re 19 years old, in college, and you go from having vision to not having vision.
He didn’t stop. He didn’t let that stop him from achieving his goals.”
Through their collaboration, Anderson found technology that made coursework more accessible—software for reading, note-taking, and even navigation.
That combination of determination and support helped him stay focused on the bigger picture: his future career.
A Model for What’s Possible
Anderson’s story goes beyond awards or ceremonies. It’s about persistence when life takes an unexpected turn.
His experience mirrors the kind of quiet resilience that inspires classmates, professors, and community members alike.
The Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities exists to highlight stories like his—proof that with the right tools and encouragement, barriers can become steppingstones.
Anderson’s recognition also shines a light on how state programs like the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services connect students to real solutions that make independence possible.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
Today, Anderson continues his studies at Auburn, focused on his goals and the work still ahead.
The award is meaningful, but he views it as a reminder more than a finish line—a reminder of the people who believed in him, the systems that helped him adapt, and the mindset that carried him through uncertainty.
For those around him, it’s a moment that brings pride and perspective.
From the classrooms of Auburn to the neighborhoods of Mobile, Anderson’s story underscores what can happen when determination meets opportunity.
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