CCBC Graduate a 'True Inspiration'

Brandon McFadden is set to graduate Saturday with his Associate’s Degree in general studies from the Community College of Baltimore County Essex Campus.

The 19-year-old Rosedale resident will move on to the University of Baltimore, where he was accepted into the honors program and plans on majoring in English and psychology.

On the surface, McFadden’s progression from a community college to a four-year institution appears similar to many local students.

It’s not even close.

McFadden completed all of his coursework in just one-year and did so without almost ever even stepping foot on campus. The graduate took every single one of his classes online.

The option to take all online courses is what attracted McFadden to CCBC because he may not have been able to attend college any other way as he suffers from rickets.

Rickets is a disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones. The disorder is usually found in under-developed countries where dietary needs are rarely met. However, McFadden’s rickets is genetic as his mother and grandmother suffered from it as well.

“It’s not been easy, but I’ve never let it get me down or discourage me from succeeding,” McFadden said.

Through the years, McFadden has endured 16 surgeries to correct issues with his legs, including one procedure seven weeks ago. He uses a walker to help get around and admits that college would not have been a possibility at this point without the ability to take online classes.

McFadden’s mother, Dawn Cullens, said she is determined to ensure her son succeeds in life and believes he will eventually go on to earn his doctorate in psychology.

“I dealt with the same issues Brandon is dealing with and I went on to earn my Master’s,” said Cullens, who works for the estate administration department for PNC Wealth Management. “He’s always been able to do whatever he set his mind to accomplish.”

McFadden admits taking so many classes online without the benefits of working with professors and classmates was not always easy. He had to develop a time-management system to ensure he completed his work on time while also dealing with doctor appointments and other issues related to his condition.

“I’ve never let myself get discouraged,” he said. “It just helps motivate me more.”

Unfortunately, McFadden won’t be able to walk up on stage and receive his diploma like his classmates as he is still recovering from his latest surgery. However, Cullens said doctors are optimistic they will eventually correct the disorder and McFadden will be able to live a mostly normal life.

“It’s all about taking a negative and turning it into a positive,” Cullens said. “I can see Brandon one day working with doctors and helping them understand how to better relate to patients with physical disabilities. He is a true inspiration.”