Benton mom fulfills dream of earning college degree
Christen Alsup, a Benton native and mom, walks across the stage at the UA Little Rock Commencement today to become a college graduate. Her bachelor's degree in elementary education has been 19 years in the making.
After graduating from Benton High School in 2003, Alsup attended Pulaski Technical College. Even though she was not sure what she wanted to do in life, she thought continuing her education was the next step.
After deciding that college was not right for her and that her heart was not in it, she dropped out and moved on to the next stage of her life.
She joined the workforce, got married and started a family.
In 2011, Alsup and her husband decided to move back to Saline County from Texas.
After her son started kindergarten, she had some time on her hands, so she began volunteering at his school. One day, someone at the school mentioned that Alsup should become certified to become a substitute, so she did.
At the time, she was going back to school for medical coding, but through her experience as a substitute, she found a passion for education.
"A spark went off," she said. Alsup explained that her plan of becoming an educator had its difficulties. During her first semester at UA Little Rock, she was pregnant. For her to be able to enjoy her maternity leave, she completed assignments early.
Along her path to become an educator, Alsup said she had been inspired by many people including her family, fellow students and her mentors.
She told the story of another Saline County mom who was attending the same classes with Alsup. The single mom has five children and was taking night classes. She and Alsup quickly became friends. Even though she had to put her education on hold because of COVID-19, Alsup said her friend will be starting classes again.
Finally reaching this goal of earning a degrees means everything to Alsup.
"As students, we expect more from ourselves, our classes and our futures and we want the world to see us rise to this opportunity. For me... I was determined to rise to this opportunity," she
said. "This is my second chance and I'm going to do it right. I'm not going to settle for just passing. I'm going to excel. I'm going to go above and beyond, so I can show my kids that it is never too late to follow your dreams."
Alsup earned a 4.0 grade point average at UA Little Rock, but unfortunately because of a policy involving transfer students, she will not graduate as an honor graduate.
Because she did not withdraw properly from her classes at Pulaski Technical College in 2003, those classes were considered incomplete and the grades followed her to UA Little Rock and dropped her cumulative GPA, she said.
She decided that she would work to make a change so she talked to various people at the university, but was told the same thing over and over. There was nothing they could do.
Eventually she was told she could talk to the chancellor, so she did.
Alsup said that the chancellor
was wonderful and understanding and she agreed that the policy was outdated and unfair.
The chancellor brought a proposed change to the Faculty Senate so that credits not pertaining to a students' degree path will not be included in their cumulative GPA.
Unfortunately, the senate will not be voting on this change until the fall. While she did not get the outcome she hoped for, she believes this change could benefit future students.
Alsup said she is not done with continuing her education. She would like to pursue a master's degree.
"My dream is to impact children through social and emotional learning by bridging gaps between schools and the community," she said. "I want parents more engaged in their children's education. I want to be an educator in a world where parents, teacher and administration come together and put children's needs and education first. That starts with positive relationships."
She plans to continue her schooling while working
as a full time teacher. She has begun her job search and hopes to be hired as an educator in Saline County.
"God has not put me in the place that I need to be right now. I'm leaving it in his hands to put me in the school I am going to call home," she said.
She said the best part about being a teacher is "the impact that I make on my students." She added that her students inspire, motive and encourage her.
She told the story of two she met while interning at a Bryant school. One third grader was nervous about taking a standardized test, so she asked Alsup to pray with her. She met another student in January. At first, he got mad at her for correcting him but on her last week of school, he told her that he was going to miss her and that she was his best friend.
"Building those relationship, no matter how they start out, that's what I want to do," she said.
In her teaching philosophy she explains that she believes that education sets a foundation in a child’s life.
“It is my belief that,
through education, children will receive the knowledge, critical and creative thinking skills, and tools necessary to build a successful life. As an educator, I see my role as not only providing answers but encouraging students to ask the important questions,” according to her philosophy.
When asked what she would tell someone who wants to go back to college later in life she said, "Find your passion, set a goal and don't stop until you have achieved it. Never be afraid to ask for help. Use helpful resources. Have some sort of support system in place. When you feel like giving up, find inspiration and remember that mistakes are proof that you are trying. Keep moving forward otherwise the only regrets you will have are the chances you didn't take. Above all else, have faith."
Alsup and her husband have three children. Her mom is an APRN and father is a sergeant at the Bryant Police Department. She has three sisters in the education field as well.