Story of triumph over adversity motivates students 

By Alexis Clark  NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Cassandra Brown covers herself with a ‘coat of gratitude’ every morning after surviving a shooting incident in 2021. As a result, the Memphis native was left partially paralyzed. The life-altering tragedy took place just a week before Brown was to return for her junior year at Tennessee State University. Despite the challenges, she returned to study agricultural business this past fall with guidance from TSU’s Office of Disability Services (ODS). Fast forward to a recent campus event that Brown says was a pivotal moment in her journey. The event was sponsored by ODS and featured motivational speaker Timothy Alexander. “Where you come from doesn’t predict the person you will become,” Brown said with high emotions. “And after hearing speech his, I knew I wasn’t alone.” Alexander and the TSU student share a similar story. Alexander had hopes of a career in the NFL, until a car accident that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down at 17 years old. But he didn’t give up on himself. He emerged as a beacon of hope, becoming an inspirational speaker and author. He dedicated his life to inspiring others with his story of...