Rhea Estelle Lathan Professor’s life comes full circle
Rhea Estelle Lathan by Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo A G.E.D. to a Ph.D.! Cap and gown! In fact, our subject, Rhea Lathan, had just gotten her hood and tam from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s bookstore, as we began the interview. It was a day filled with justifiable exhilaration. "I am happy! I’m having fun! This is one of the most blessed days of my life," proclaimed Rhea, as she shared her many experiences and the wonderful future that is unfolding. Born in Lansing, Michigan, she came to Milwaukee as a toddler. The product of Milwaukee Public Schools, she shared, in jest, "I sort of waved at the 10th grade, drove by the 11th grade, and dropped out, at age seventeen!" Her story typifies many of the sagas of adolescence. A bubbly baby girl, Carla, was the by-product of an exciting "first love," peer pressures, adolescent feelings of inadequacy, and high school courses that simply held little interest. Add to that "unpopular choices," and Rhea really could have become a statistic. "However, somewhere I knew that I could do better. And, most important, I wanted to do better," she confided. Yes, doing better! She has! At the age of 30, she got her GED and began classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. "My goal was to get 60 credits so that I could go into the Milwaukee Public School system as a teacher’s assistant," stated our future graduate. "Yet, school, as a mature student, became very interesting. When younger students were coming to class after parties, and forays at the Union, I was coming to get everything I could. And my competitive spirit made me want to excel. I really wanted to test myself and prove to myself that I could do it," said Rhea. A conscientious professor, seeing real potential, also convinced her that perhaps there was more capacity than even she was able to ascertain. "Michelle Johnson took me under her wings and made me believe that I was on track," explained Lathan. These mentors play a significant role in affirming ability and small successes, particularly when classes and other responsibilities overwhelm. Lathan continued, "I learned to take one day at a time. And I savored every positive comment from teachers, my parents, friends who continued to support me, and my children." "I read the story about Master Kennedy, in the ‘Community Journal’s’ last issue, and I thought how true. I used to study at the library and bring my children with me. We were all on campus, getting our work done." she said. "Now I don’t want to make it sound like it is easy, because it is not easy. But it is doable! The important message is that no one can take from you what God has in-store for you. And, everything is achievable if you are willing to work, sacrifice and persevere, even during difficult times. I went to school during the day and worked the third shift at the Wisconsin Correctional Services. But I really wanted it," Rhea related. Graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in Africology and English came. And a wonderful job followed that utilized the best of Rhea’s talents, she thought. As an advisor for the College of Letters and Sciences she was in direct contact with students, who like her former self, could be viewed as at-risk. The number of successful graduates who came through her office remain a source of pride and validation. "Witnessing these graduates and their acceptance into graduate schools for post matriculation was not only rewarding, it supported my quest to help others as so many had helped me," she shared. Yet, as fate would have it, when the pang for further study became a preoccupation, Lathan packed her son, Cordale and their belongings and moved to Madison, in pursuit of a Master’s Degree. "I applied without the customary 3.0 g/p/a, or GRE scores, nor funding," said Rhea. Again, others encouraged me. I shall always be indebted to Professor Nellie McKay, who recently passed, who again took me under her wings and helped me through the process. She mentored and convinced me that I had what it took to continue to pursue." Continuing, she said, "I never knew that I was so strong. That my faith was so strong! One by one, the obstacles were being removed and study, confidence and diligence were the assets I had to continuously pull upon." "Often I didn’t think I was smart enough but I hung around long enough to see the blessings, and soon I was visualizing my Doctorate," she beamed. And, Doctor Rhea Lathan will be officially awarded her hood, next week, during ceremonies on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. "I presented my work to faculty and students in my department today, about twenty people and it was phenomenal. I have editing to do but the feeling was so overwhelming that after I left the room, I stood at the door and wanted to cry. It has been a long journey! "I was reminded of something my mother, always says. She says ‘It is alright to look back, just don’t stare!’ That has been sage advice, because it is important to remember how you got over. But it is even more important to move on!," she exclaimed. And move on, she has! During the winter, she attended the Modern Language Association Conference and participated in seven interviews. She followed up with seven university visits. She ended up with five job offers. And, she has accepted the prize offer! On August 14, 2006, Doctor Rhea Lathan will begin her new job as an assistant professor in Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan. Her life will have made a full circle. She began in Lansing. To Lansing she returns! Dr. Lathan will bring her brilliance, her tenacity, her experiences and her compassion to a new group of students eager to learn, eager to examine their personal purposes and began that phenomenal journey of self-discovery. And that excites our future Dr. Lathan. As she walks across the stage, this will be the completion of a seven-year journey. One, that in her wildest dreams, she would not have begun to envision. And yet, others saw more than her maturity had allowed her to see. Others mentored and helped her believe when she could not believe! Time, sacrifice, study, re-study, and successes built upon small successes, were the foundation for continued pursuits. "Inch by inch it became a cinch," she shared. "God gave me second, third and fourth chances, she continued. He never gave up on me, I am truly grateful! "Today, I teach teachers how to teach. I particularly enjoy teaching teachers how to teach our children to write, to feel, to be able to express themselves. Every student has something to say. And every student can write. We have to create the environment and the confidence that ensures that they are able to write what they desire to express," Lathan expounds. "One of my professors used to say to me: ‘Unless you are in the habit of depositing money in other peoples accounts; don’t leave here without a degree.’ Her point was, get your money’s worth! You pay for it, so why not get it," she explained. Dr. Lathan will keynote a Reception for the Multi-Cultural Student Commencement, next Thursday afternoon, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Check the bulletin board for location and exact time. And, we are already seeking opportunities to benefit from her unique perspective on writing and African American Literacy. She clearly is just beginning. Dr. Lathan is the proud mother of daughter, Carla Lathan, son, Cordale Rowe, grandson, DayShaun Rowe, now 18-months-old and partner Hope Ealey. Along with her family, there will be parents Norma and Raymond Lathan, and a cadre of friends and well-wishers. But along with her immediate supporters are many students and a proud community who salute her for the ability to spread wings, look upon the things below but see the vastness of the sky above. And Soar!!! And, Soar! You Rhea Lathan represents the Best of the Bests! You make us all proud! We wish you continued success as you soar like an eagle!! You make Milwaukee proud! |
