Chaffey Student Fights Through Pain to Pursue Justice

It began with unexplained episodes of pain and fatigue. Then Renee Robinson started having moments of such debilitating weakness, she would collapse to the ground.

After a battery of tests including MRIs and spinal taps, Robinson received devastating news in 2011.

“You have progressive multiple sclerosis,” doctors told her.

And worse: they said she’d never work full-time again.

Robinson had to resign from her job as an assistant teacher at Olive Crest Therapeutic Education Center, a school that supported students with emotional and behavioral disorders.

“I was devastated. I was probably depressed for the next 10 years,” she said.

With the help of stem-cell treatments, physical therapy and years of soul searching, she has reinvented herself as a law major at Chaffey College. Robinson hopes to specialize in medical or educational advocacy as an attorney or be a law teacher.

Robinson is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, an associate’s degree for transfer in law, public policy and society and a “Pathway to Law School” certificate. She plans to transfer to Cal State Northridge after graduating from Chaffey in 2027 and pursue a Juris Doctor at Southwestern Law School.

But getting there comes with a lot of challenges.

She endures pain every day – ranging from near-constant muscle spasms to nerve flareups that she describes as “like having a severe sunburn on your bones.” She has a strict diet and avoids pushing herself too hard to avoid a “relapse” – symptoms of new or returning pain and fatigue.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. There is no cure, but treatment can slow the progression of the disease.

Robinson receives support from Chaffey’s Disability Programs and Services with note-taking software, extended time for assignments when needed and use of the DPS tram. Robinson has joined the Chaffey Legal Society and the Honors Program to expand her learning.

“Her determination shines brighter than any obstacle – each step she takes, despite her limitations is a testament to her strength and unbreakable drive to succeed,” said DPS Counseling Faculty Dennis Cambara.

DPS Alternate Media Specialist Jason Schneck also applauded Robinson’s perseverance.

“She picked up on the assistive technology quickly and uses it to really enhance her learning. Her determination and drive show that nothing can hold her back from reaching her goals,” he said.

Robinson is also raising a 5-year-old boy with autism.

“I don’t think I would have believed I could do it had I not been inspired and encouraged by my professors,” she said.

Professor of Business Administration Thierry Brusselle learned about Robinson’s story after noticing her studying outside of his office in the mornings. Robinson regularly arrives on campus at least an hour before her classes to study.

“I eventually met her and was moved by her courage to push through excruciating pain each day and was inspired by the optimism and joy she radiates,” Brusselle said. “I hope her story will encourage many students who persevere quietly through their own challenges.”

She says she is committed to her current academic path to prove to herself and her family that she can succeed.

“I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m not going to let this disease define me,” she said. “I cannot give up on my life because of this. It’s not going to stop me.”