BALTIMORE, Md., May 21 -- The University of Baltimore issued the following news release:

Overcoming Obstacles, One Day at a Time

Erick Masaua experienced life's greatest blessings and some of its most difficult challenges while pursuing his master's degree at The University of Baltimore.

Shortly after beginning the M.S. in Counseling Psychology program, Erick became a father. During the height of his graduate journey, Erick's father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Both his daughter and father, along with his desire to create a better future, inspired Erick to keep pushing onward.

"Balancing school, family, work and that emotional experience tested me in many ways, but it also taught me resilience, gratitude and perseverance," he sai...