Name:
Rhonda Houser
Position Title or Student Involvements:
HR Partner Bumpers College
What degrees have you obtained or are working on?
BS in Personnel Management – UAF – Walton Business College Masters in Educational Administration – UAF College of Education
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation student/graduate?
I always admired the pioneers in history. By being a first generation student it was somewhat like being a pioneer for my family. Both of my children have now graduated with their degrees from UAF, and I look forward to, one day in the future, proudly watching my grandchildren and great grandchildren graduating with their degrees.
Why is being a first-generation student/graduate important to you?
It clearly sent a message to my younger sister and others in the family that by persevering, a college degree is obtainable.
What piece of advice would you give to first-generation students?
Recognize you are doing something that is difficult and challenging that no one else in your family has done before. They may not understand the issues, the late nights, the worries, but they do know they want the best for you! Keep them looped in. Share both the victories and the challenges. And thank them for their on-going support.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself that you feel is important for people to know about you?
A college degree is absolutely NOT required to be successful in life. However, it should be thought of as a key to that success. There may be a lot of different ways to obtain success, but certainly using a key to open the door is simply an easier way to reach it than having to break down the door or wiggle thru a window.