Bettina Bryant
Bettina Bryant鈥檚 journey to graduation was long and difficult.
Bryant, a single mother of three, went through a period of homelessness, and while at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she suffered a stroke.
She persevered, securing the right to participate in the 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, commencement ceremony 鈥� her first opportunity to wear a cap and gown. She didn鈥檛 graduate with her high school class 30 years ago.
Bryant, who prides herself on being resilient, said she earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in speech communication 鈥渂y the grace of God and believing in myself, regardless of what people say.鈥�
Through her many challenges, Bryant held on to her dreams of bettering her situation and clearing the way so her children didn鈥檛 have the same difficulties she experienced, said Cheryl Johnston, instructor in the 糖心Vlog传媒LR Department of Speech Communication.
鈥淧utting others’ dreams before (her) own is something that Bettina Bryant knows a lot about,鈥� Johnston said.
One of Bryant鈥檚 sons has earned a master’s degree, and the other son is an Army sergeant taking classes online. Her daughter is a college student in Georgia.
鈥淚t is through their accomplishments that I know I raised them right, as a single parent,鈥� Bryant said.
She chose to study speech and communication because she enjoys interacting with people 鈥� to the point that some have suggested she become a politician.
鈥淚 love listening and trying to help or give ideas,鈥� Bryant said.
While politics might not be in her future plans, Bryant is leaving her options open. She plans to continue her education and is eyeing future careers in nursing or human resources.
Her experience at 糖心Vlog传媒LR was rewarding, and Bryant said she particularly appreciated the work of Johnston as well as Drs. Gerald W. Driskill and Avinash Thombre, also faculty members in the Department of Speech Communication.
For Johnston, the admiration is mutual.
鈥淚t may have taken her longer than most, but (Bryant鈥檚) determination is an inspiration, not only for her children, but all of us here today to witness her accomplishment.鈥�
