CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With the first week of classes done for students at Parkland College, just being there is an accomplishment for some. After experiencing homelessness, five students are starting a new chapter in their lives.

It was a tough road getting here, but determination and support kept these students focused on achieving their goal of going to college. Elizabeth Campbell is one of five students turning their lives around.

“I finally came to the point on the day, you know, that I was arrested where enough was enough,” Campbell said. “I thought that life was for me, and I was just so exhausted. Just mentally drained, I couldn’t handle any more.”

When she went to C-U at Home, she discovered their partnership with Parkland. It’s called the Support for Workforce Training program, also known as SWFT.

“I was homeless for about three or four years,” Campbell said. “I too was addicted to drugs.”

The program provides students like Campbell, who is starting her second semester, with fully covered education.

“They have been really supportive and, like, a good foundation so that I could do what I wanted to do,” said Parkland student James Thomlinson.

He is also part of SWFT. Thomlinson is a recovering addict who dropped out of school at a young age.

“I became a different person, and that’s why I’m here,” Thomlinson said. “I’m trying to become a different person. It’s a lot of change. And like I said, the SWFT program has been very acclimating too.”

He said his first week of classes were challenging, but also amazing. Both students said the kindness from everyone is what’s helping them chase their dreams.

“I really enjoy it here,” Thomlinson said. “I like it here, it’s a very, very good place. They’re very helpful.”

“There was always someone there to help me,” Campbell said. “You know, literally every person has helped me along the way.”

Thomlinson is going to school to get his certificate in the automotive industry, and is also looking to finish his associate’s degree. Campbell is also going to school for her degree, but wants to work for a place like C-U at Home to help others who may be going through the same challenges she faced.