Transformed by Resilience

“Grab whatever you’d like. We have even more in my office,” said Louise Hancox, director of career innovation at the Honors College, smiling and gesturing her hand towards her open office door in the Futures Hub. Those Fritos and granola bars did not last long after I got my hands on them. I was happy for the moment. Those moments of respite, though fleeting, provided a temporary escape from the weight of my circumstances. The aroma of those snacks lingered in the air as I sat in Dr. Hancox’s office in my junior year, my mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. Little did anyone know the battles I was silently fighting.

It was during that pivotal meeting with Dr. Hancox that I learned that I could ask for help, and the Honors College would be there for me – they always had been. I mustered the courage to unveil the burdens I was carrying, revealing a narrative marked by overwhelming trauma, countless hours spent navigating its aftermath and a financial toll that seemed insurmountable. In that vulnerable moment, I found solace in the unwavering support of the Honors College. With empathy and swift action, they rallied behind me, contacting my instructors and initiating a process that would redefine the trajectory of my academic journey.

Somehow, the Honors College was looking out for me even before I knew who they were. I spent my childhood in Berryville, Arkansas, a small town that I often describe as ‘Eureka Springs’ neighbor’ to my university friends. Growing up, we faced tremendous poverty. As a single, immigrant mother of four boys, my momma was forced to move us to a trailer in a high-crime neighborhood after we had to leave the single-bed apartment where I was born. The challenges I encountered during my youth felt insurmountable, largely stemming from the poverty we faced. It was easy to believe that I was just a statistic, and this self-fulfilling prophecy convinced me that I was destined to fail.

Chelsea Hodge, a Berryville High School alumna and director of grants and innovation at the Honors College, introduced me to the fellowships that the college offers. I hesitated to apply. Despite my hesitations and the beliefs ingrained by my self-imposed label of low merit, she made it her personal mission to guide me through the scholarship application process and challenge these negative beliefs about myself. Through 52 email exchanges and a few phone calls in the span of a week, I submitted a scholarship application and later found myself at the University of Arkansas. Every ounce of imposter syndrome seemed to melt away when I walked through the double doors of Gearhart Hall and into the Honors Student Lounge. I found solace and guidance within the Honors College community.

Kelly Carter, fellowship financial manager and fondly known as “Mama C,” lightened my load by patiently addressing questions that I had been asking repeatedly for years, such as “how does this affect my cost of attendance?” She not only excelled in providing answers but also became a friend who genuinely cared about my well-being from the moment I stepped into her office. As a commuter during my freshman year, it was challenging to establish connections with others. Nevertheless, former staff member Katie Powell always welcomed me, offering jolly ranchers and a listening ear as I debriefed my day. She understood the value of friendship and mentorship.

Noah Pittman, my honors University Perspectives instructor and associate dean of enrollment for the Honors College, consistently encouraged me to embrace my true self and take pride in it. He would even bring breakfast to class—a meal I would often have to skip. After class, we would discuss European soccer leagues before I made the drive back to Berryville. Many staff members played a pivotal role in providing me peace and comfort during my freshman year, serving as an invaluable support system—as staff, as people and as friends. Amid a storm that engulfed my junior year, my academics began to slip as I grappled with a traumatic event. The weight of the crisis I was facing threatened to mentally drown me. Recognizing the toll on my well-being, I reached out to the Honors College for support. They became my lifeline, intervening on my behalf, and ensuring I had the necessary accommodations. Dr. Hancox’s simple bag of Fritos weren’t just Fritos—they were the only thing that I could stomach that day.

Reflecting on what the snacks seems like such a silly yet incomprehensibly important moment in college for me. Those snacks began a cascade for me that didn’t quite stop. I began finding the strength again to resume hobbies I had loved all my life, from softly playing classical piano, blasting solos on my trumpet, to kicking (and often missing) a ball around in intramural soccer. The peace I found in pieces as simple as Chopin’s “24 Preludes, Op. 28: No. 13 in F-Sharp Major” remains indescribable. I had found my footing again. Despite the lingering effects of poverty and numerous obstacles, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of becoming the opposite of what the statistics say I should be. The Honors College played a pivotal role in my journey. Their support extended beyond academics, offering guidance and assistance for financial problems. Their understanding and compassion were beyond measure. Their unwavering belief in my potential was exemplified by Jennie Popp, associate dean of the Honors College, who offered me assistance with the crisis, so I didn’t have to face it alone. Her actions speak volumes about how much they value their students.

As I move on to the next chapter of my educational journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, resilience cultivated and unwavering support received. The Honors College has prepared me for the challenges of medical school and has played a role in developing the strength to overcome any obstacle. Looking ahead, my aspiration as a physician is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children who have faced circumstances like mine. Pediatrics is where my heart lies, and I am committed to paying it forward with compassionate care and support to these children.

I am profoundly grateful for the Honors College and its remarkable staff who guided me on this transformative path. With unwavering determination and the support of a caring community, no obstacle is insurmountable. I stand here today, ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, driven by the belief that compassion and resilience can transform lives.