Student Spotlight – Venita Thomas
Venita Thomas
Veterans Day offers the chance to thank the men and women who have served this nation both at home and around the world and their sacrifices for the freedoms we all enjoy.
Union wanted to do more for veterans to help them complete their degree. That goal led to the Veterans in Union program founded to recognize and honor the sacrifices made through our veterans’ service to our country, and commit to their success through a three-term $7500 living allowance stipend ($2500 per term) for honorably discharged veterans.
During the month of November, UI&U will spotlight a different veteran student each week. Get to know Venita Thomas an Army veteran and current Ph.D. student with a major in Educational Studies, in the Q&A below.
Q. What do you plan to do with your degree?
A. Continue to serve my country via the industry of education by becoming an educational consultant and professor.
Q. What led you to this program?
A. I was intrigued by Union Institute & University because of a campus being located in Cincinnati. Also the design of the program, a combination of online and onsite courses, adult friendly and I could maintain employment while earning my degree. Additionally, I was impressed with the alumni and faculty.
Q. Why did you choose Union for your studies?
A. Union is adult friendly, the staff and faculty understand my desire to complete my Ph.D. and have “real life” circumstances to maintain – it’s a “win-win” situation.
Q. If you could give a piece of advice to your 20 something, what would it be?
A. Life is manageable, be flexible, be confident, and work hard for what desires are in your heart to complete.
Q. Who has influenced you the most in your life, and how have they influenced you?
A. There are several individuals who have been and/or paramount in my life. This sounds cliché, however, my mother, the late, great Ruth Thomas. My mother would always tell me to “keep going,” never give up; I might have to wait a little longer for something’s, but waiting is okay – it’ll give me time to pray and think. Mom is correct – “waiting” – doesn’t hurt, it helps.