Student Spotlights

Sgt. Westmoreland Derrick USMC

Hello, my name is Derrick Westmoreland! I am a native of Chicago and I have currently been on active duty in the Marine Corps for 8 years. I owe everything to my family in which I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter and a beautiful wife. I am currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts as a Recruiter.

I will be graduating on March 23, 2008; with an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice…with all the support from the instructors, support team, and the fine students I have communicated with.

I have always made it a goal of mine to become a college graduate especially during these times, because sooner or later a high school diploma is going to be obsolete. Always focus on the bigger picture at hand, because life is too short to procrastinate.

I live for my family and the community by being a member of the finest fighting force in the world (US Marines). I love supporting and fighting for our country and for the freedoms of our nation. My end goal is to obtain a PhD in Law which I will stay focused and determined. I wish the graduating class of 2008 and other classes to come the best of luck.Good job on a mission accomplished and I hope to see all of you in future classes. I would also like to thank the Rasmussen Staff for all of their support and I look forward in starting my Bachelors program in April.

Marine Corps Motto
Semper Fidelis "Always Faithful"

-- Sgt Westmoreland Derrick USMC, Criminal Justice Program

Sabrina Ayitevie

Hello, my name is Sabrina! My family and friends call me Bri, Bria, Brina or Sabry. I am 30 years, married with three wonderful children (twins – 5yrs and singleton – 3yrs). We reside in Texas but currently posted in Ghana - West Africa.

I am an Accountant (Non-Degreed) for over 12 years. This is my first time seriously in college since high school. I attend Rasmussen Online in the Accounting/ Financial Investigations Program. My overall goal is to receive a Masters Degree in this field with a minor study in Law. I stay motivated by my family because I am not only doing this for myself but for them also because whatever I decide to do affects them.

However, I must admit that it was not an easy decision but I had to realize that time is not on my side. Most of all, there was not going to ever be a perfect time for me to go ahead with my education. I thought to myself that I just better jump in before I turn around and I am “35”! ;-) I am happy that I have made the decision to go after my dream. My best to everyone on this journey.

-- Sabrina Ayitevie, Accounting/Financial Investigations Program

Donna Pool

My name is Donna Pool, I am 64 years young. This is the first real college I have ever attended. At the age of 40 I went to LPN school and practiced nursing for 23 years. I finally became burned out and decided to change careers. I enrolled in the HIT program at Rasmussen. All my classes are online which lets me work full time in a medical billing office. Until I get my degree I am working as a nurse consultant. From age 16 to 40 I was a stay at home mom raising 6 children.

-- Donna Pool, HIT Program

Desiree Hall

I first enrolled in the Rasmussen online program in July of 2006. I cannot say enough good things about the online program. I am a married mother of two little boys, and I also work a full time job, so flexibility is extremely important to me. By taking all of my classes online I can study during the day, late at night, or anywhere in between. I never thought I'd be able to juggle work, my kids, and still manage to find time for school; but somehow here I am making it all work out. Thank you Rasmussen! With your program I have been able to accomplish goals that once never seemed possible!

-- Desiree Hall

Sharon Richardson

My name is Sharon Richardson and I am the Director of Admissions for Rasmussen College Online.

I was born and raised in the small town of Frostproof, FL to my proud mother, Claire Bellamy. I really believe I have a true “rags to riches” story. My riches are not a Bentley, with millions in the bank and a mansion on the hill, but once you read where I come from I think you will understand why I feel the way I do.

My mother, stepfather, sister and I lived in a one room wooden shack no bigger than 600 square feet up until my 8th grade year. We didn’t have any central air or heat, hot running water, or cable. We had all that was needed to survive.

When I was in 8th grade, my life changed because my mom and stepfather separated (thank God). My basketball coach, George Jackson, helped my mom get a two bedroom apartment. He got the water and electricity turned on and we finally had central air and heat, a concrete foundation, and cable.

During high school, I was suspended for ten days for fighting. Of course, I missed a couple of basketball games and we lost both of them in my absence. From that experience, I learned not to let anyone determine what happens to me except for me. I stopped hanging with all of my old so-called “friends” and started hanging with more positive people. I learned that if you want to accomplish something in life then hang with those who want to do the same.

I graduated from high school with honors, and earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Louisville where I received many honors during my four year tenure. I held two records there (most free throws and most rebounds) until last year. I am part of the 1000 Point-plus Club and made All-American and All-Conference. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

My life changed during my junior year of college. My younger sister was killed in a car accident. That really rocked my world because my mother was left alone. I was going to drop out of college and move back to Florida to be with my mother. I always thanked my mom for this bit of advice she gave me back then: “Sharon, your sister wants you to go back to school and finish. Remember there are only a few things in life people can not take from you and your education is one of them. Once you have your degree, no one can take that from you”. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

I started helping other people change their lives at Rasmussen College on May 31, 2006. It was nice to tell prospective students what I overcame to get to where I am now and to let them know that I understand and that life is not a cake walk. After six months as an Admissions Representative, I was promoted to Director of Admissions. Now, I help others help our students get enrolled in college and get prepared for their life-changing adventure.

If I had never finished school, then I would not be here today. My goal is to tell everyone I speak with that no one can take your education away from you. Your education is your most prized possession. While working at Rasmussen I decided to further my education and I am three classes away from receiving my Masters of Science in Human Resource Management.

The sky is the limit once you have the correct credentials.

-- Sharon Richardson, Director of Admissions for Rasmussen College Online