Rhonda Clark Named April 2011 Student of the Month at UNM-Valencia

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From left: Dr. Barbara Rousseau and Rhonda Clark, April 2011 Student of the Month

LOS LUNAS, NM (04/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Rhonda Clark remembers quite well when her health issues made her so depressed that she could not get out of bed. Now she is the April 2011 Student of the Month at UNM-Valencia.

"I was severely depressed for a long time," Clark said. "I spent seven years in bed, and I just decided it was time to get out of bed."

Clark, a non-traditional student, decided it was time to do something with her life "because I think I have something to offer."

So she enrolled at UNM-Valencia where she plans to obtain an associate's degree in social work, and then pursue her bachelor's at main campus. Clark enrolled at UNM-Valencia even though it petrified her.

"I'm still not sure I'm smart enough," she said with a chuckle. She added that being away from school for so long has ensured the need for refresher courses because of all "the cobwebs."

But her English 100 instructor, Dr. Barbara Rousseau, would beg to differ with Clark. Dr. Rousseau wrote in her nomination "that despite serious personal health issues, this student not only strives for academic excellence, but is generous with her time and support by mentoring classmates who need extra help."

Dr. Rousseau noted that Clark helps her classmates even "when she herself sometimes struggles to keep up with assignments. She epitomizes compassion, selfless service, and academic striving – a true scholar of character."

Clark admitted that Dr. Rousseau's nomination came as a complete surprise to her and that she has been amazed by the support from her fellow students and by her teachers at UNM-Valencia.

Her advice to anybody who is considering going back to college: "Absolutely go for it."