It’s been nearly two years since Connie Culp underwent the world’s first near total face transplant — and in that time, she has made incredible strides. When Culp made her first public appearance in May 2009, her face was bloated and squarish, her speech was hard to understand, and her skin drooped in big folds. But thanks to the skilled hands of surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic, who performed the initial surgery, she is ready to face the world again with her head held high. “When you look back, I’ve come a long way,” Culp said.