At 77, NWFSC Student and World Traveler Corina Zalace Proves It’s Never Too Late to Learn or Explore

At 77 years old, Corina Zalace is still pursuing her love of learning at Northwest Florida State College. Despite a life filled with challenges, including contracting polio at age two and enduring more than 100 surgeries since age of five, Corina remains resilient, curious, and passionate about education.

“Nothing you can’t do,” her parents always told her — and she has lived up to that belief. Permanently in a wheelchair and often in pain, Corina refuses to let her circumstances stop her. She continues to enroll in classes that spark her interest at Northwest Florida State College, from piano and voice lessons to art, drama, and soon, Spanish. She is also the author of two books: My Inner Child Must Be Heard and Ienke the Overcomer, a story about a handicapped eagle living at a raptor center that teaches the powerful lesson that limitations do not define one’s life. For her, education has always been a cornerstone—providing not only knowledge, but also the strength and perspective to overcome challenges and inspire others.

“I love learning new things,” said Corina. “I didn’t like high school because of how kids looked at me, but college has always been different. At Northwest Florida State, the teachers are wonderful, the campus is accessible, and it only takes me five minutes to get here. I truly enjoy it.

“I was just sharing some time with the President of the College, Mel Ponder, recently at the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) Guild Fundraising Gala at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center,” Corina continued. “I’ve known him for a long time. I remember when he was Destin’s Mayor. He’s a wonderful person.”

Corina’s love of education has been lifelong. She earned a biology degree with a minor in art from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1971, took art classes at Texas Tech, studied at Cal State LA, and even spent two years learning classical piano here at Northwest Florida State College. Over the years, she has explored mosaic art, improv drama, and more at the College. She specifically mentioned her enjoyment of taking classes with Clint Mahle.

“I’ve taken three drama classes and improv twice,” said Corina. “I loved working with Clint because he let me be free. He said, ‘Just have fun.’”

Outside of college, she shares her talents with others, teaching watercolor once a month at the Niceville Senior Center and preparing to lead a support group for individuals with disabilities.

Her story is also one of survival followed by lifelong adventure. Born in Indonesia, she and her family fled during the National Revolution and lived as refugees in Holland before immigrating to the United States (California). Since then, she has traveled the world with her husband of nearly 58 years, Stanley — visiting Egypt, Ireland, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia and more. She even went bungee jumping in New Zealand eight years ago, an experience she describes as “exhilarating” and “a three-week adrenaline high.” As she prepares for her next trip out west, she reflected, “I’ve traveled the world in my wheelchair.”

Through it all, her husband Stanley, who retired from the Air Force, has been her rock. “He is a gem and never complains. We’ve even danced together with me in my wheelchair — it’s quite a sight,” Corina said. Together, they raised three children, now in their 40s and 50s.

For Corina, coming back to college later in life has been a dream fulfilled. She’s not currently taking classes because, as she explained, “I’ve had some seizures and health issues, but I’m coming back in January to take Spanish. I’m grateful to still be learning, to be challenged, and to be surrounded by people who share that same passion. Northwest Florida State College has given me that gift.”

Fueled by her passion for learning, Corina is eager to return to Northwest Florida State College in January.