Reel Urban News Exclusive
By: Cynthia Shaffer, National Editor, Reel Urban News
CS: Why go back to Rust College?
AHW: I suppose my main reason for going back was so that I could complete something I left my home to do, some 30 years ago at 24-years old. I left Orlando to come to Rust, with hopes of earning a BA degree in Mass Communications. In 1992 while my young classmates prepared to graduate, I wasn’t ready. I had not completed the required coursework needed. So, I quit and moved to Memphis, Tennessee, 32 miles north of Holly Springs. With no family in Memphis, I started a career in property management, so that I could at minimum, have a place to stay. Since then, I have remained actively engaged with what I call “all things Rust.” Many of my classmates from 1992 never realized that “JahLeesa” (a nickname from the character on the sitcom, It’s a Different World, who played an older student/dorm counselor) never graduated with them! Aside from being on a hiatus from the Desoto County Rust Club, I became an active member even before returning to Rust.
CS: What was the hardest part about going back?
AHW: Ha! Wrapping my head around the idea of studying and earning grades! Aside from those obvious challenges, there’s the work/school/life balance I had to figure out as well. While returning to Rust became high on my list of priorities, staying employed during this process had to remain the top of my priorities. I had to figure out satisfying my job requirements, my school requirements, and, of course, factoring in anything else that required my attention outside of work and school. Juggling my life “to-do’s” has been a huge challenge for me.
CS: What is better this time around?
AHW: I think I’m here for the right reason now. I think when I came before, I thought, even at 24-years old, school was expected of me. So, now I am back because I want this for myself. I’m sure I am more mature, and more serious about what it really takes to reach my goal of graduation.
CS: Did you study the same major or go a completely different route?
AHW: I stayed with Mass Communications. Mainly because I never lost interest in writing. When I was at Rust in the early 90’s, I worked on the college newspaper staff. I wrote news for our television station, RC-TV2 as well. I have done some recent work with The South Reporter newspaper in Holly Springs, and I am publishing a magazine for my required senior project for school. I still have a zeal to write!
CS: Why Rust College?
AHW: With the risk of sounding somewhat corny… “College Mine, Mine, Mine!” That is a line from the Rust College Alma Mater! I originally wanted to attend Dillard University in New Orleans because I have family in the area, but I am so glad that I came to Rust, instead. I have maintained and enjoyed relationships with classmates from 30 years ago! I believe the thing that sets Rust apart from larger schools is that students who may have never left home are able to experience some “freedom” yet still be guarded by the structure implemented at Rust. I also appreciate that if a student wants to stay in school at Rust, the administration works hard to find a way to keep that student there.
CS: What was your interaction like with the much younger students?
AHW: Oh gosh! I have gone from being called “JahLeesa” to being called “Mom, Mama West, Ms. Alicia, and Mrs. West! They are amazing! I think one of my favorite things to do is on the days that I could take them to lunch in small groups. I took the opportunity to really talk to them about their Rust experience, their goals, and plans for their future. Many of them feel like I am “adult enough” to talk to for real advice, but cool enough to confide in about things they can’t discuss with others. I like that position.
CS: What is your message to other folks considering returning to college who might be a little older?
AHW: Close your eyes, and just JUMP IN!! I think that in the world we live in now, employers see the value of being on board with their employees and team members furthering their education. It was very easy for me to say for so many years, “I can’t do this.” And as long as I said that, the more it became real to me. I am thankful for my “ah-ha moment” that said, “Yes you can girl! Go get it!”
CS: Now that you are days away from receiving your degree, what are your thoughts/feelings?
AHW: This is such a surreal feeling! I am so excited I don’t know what to do!!! Even at 54-years- old, I feel like there’s a new chapter ahead of me! I am so proud of “me” right now! I feel like I can finally feel comfortable when I attend those Alumni Association meetings that I’ve been attending, though not a Rust Alum! I feel like I am empowered with skill and with a degree that will open doors for me in the area of Mass Communication. I am absolutely excited!!
CS: What are your plans now that you have a degree?
AHW: I am really not sure! Thankfully, I work for a global company with many opportunities for growth and new experiences. I believe my horizon has been broadened and I am far more marketable for a communications career path.
CS: Please include any other thoughts/feelings you’d like to share.
AHW: CHASE your dreams!! Don’t let circumstances or people convince you that your dreams are impossible. If it is to go back to school, do it! Whatever it is, just trust the process and push through! No brag…but that is what THIS Graduating* Senior from Rust College, Holly Springs, has done!!
*Rust College (http://www.rustcollege.edu) will stream Sunday’s graduation, April 29, 2018, 1pm Central, if you’d like to catch it!
