3 minute read
Author Dr. Barabara Hong speaks at this year's freshman convocation
by Tyeshia Walker, Staff Writer
On October 16 the 2024 freshman cohort of Georgia Southwestern got the opportunity to meet the author of their group read, Falling Up by Dr. Barabara Hong. The freshman class has been reading Dr. Hong’s inspirating autobiography that told of her life from childhood to her current self. The book tells her story of poverty, child abuse, and the realities of growing up in an area that did not value education, learning, and self-development. Dr. Hong used her humble beginnings as a way of motivation to get to her current standing as an advocator for learning, a doctorate, and educator.
Dr. Barbare Hong earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Special Education and an additional three masters in Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners, Educational Leadership and Policy, and as a Learning Specialist. Dr. Hong has dedicated her life to breaking down barriers for students when they transition to college. She does this by helping students gain college-readiness skills and determination to look past their hurdles and see through their degree. Dr. Hong has published many other books about this topic, her most prominent works being Handbook of Adult Learning and Wiley Library of Higher Education. In addition to her novels Dr. Hong is a recipient of the International Teacher of Honor and the University Exemplary Faculty Awards.
Dr. Hong’s dedication to education and learning is shown through every facet of her life. During the Freshman Convocation, Dr. Barbara Hong described her hardships in her childhood and the challenges she faced before and during her college career. She spoke about her own journey of learning how to learn, how to hold onto dedication, and not let your past hold you back from your future. Dr. Hong presented the hero’s in her life that accompanied her in her journey. Dr. Hong ended her presentation by giving encouraging words to the freshman class and anyone listening.
Dr. Barbara Hong is currently the Vice President for Student Success at San Antonio College where she oversees the affairs of almost 20,000 students. This is her second visit to Georgia Southwestern State University as she makes her way to different schools around the United States to spread her determination, college advice, and values.
