Batesville mom is named UACCB Academic All-Star
BATESVILLE — Randa Garlin grew up watching her stepmother, whom Garlin has always called her “bonus mom,” teach students. That early exposure to teaching inspired Garlin to want to be a part of helping others learn.
“When I was young, I would sit in class with her and watch her teach or grade papers. When you teach someone how to do something, you can see the light bulb come on when they understand what you are teaching. I think it’s amazing to help others learn something,” Garlin said.
Garlin, a Batesville native, graduated from high school in 2007 and began taking courses at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. She took a break from school to start her family and returned in fall 2015 “on a whim” as a mother of three.
Returning to college didn’t come without its challenges, she said. The day she was supposed to meet with the vice chancellor of finance and administration, Garlin was in a car accident. The following spring semester, Garlin found a lump in her breast. With a family history of breast cancer, she opted to have genetic testing done to determine her risk of developing the disease.
“My grandmother and cousin both died young from breast cancer. The tests showed I had a 95 percent probability of developing cancer by the age of 35, so I opted to have a double mastectomy done,” she said.
Garlin had the surgery during the summer while taking three classes.
“I drove to Little Rock once a week every week. I had a test the day I had reconstructive surgery, and I still managed to make an A,” Garlin said. “I cried when I got the notice that I had been selected as the Academic All-Star. Here I am almost 30 and a mama of four now. It just shows that all my hard work has paid off. It’s never too late to go back to school. I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity. After everything that I’ve been through, I could have given up and never had this chance. Don’t give up.”
Garlin graduated with honors from UACCB in May with an associate degree in elementary education. She is now working toward an associate degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with the ultimate goal of teaching science at the high school or college level.
“I really thought I would teach math until I took my first science class with Mrs. Meinzer. I loved it. You get to do hands-on activities with the students, and I think that’s where I want to be,” Garlin said.
She is a peer tutor in math and science for the TRIO/Student Support Services program at UACCB. Mickey Freeze, TRIO adviser/student activities coordinator, encouraged Garlin to join the Student Government Association, where she has served as secretary. Garlin gave credit to her support system both on and off campus for helping her achieve success.