Glenda Hughes
closes deal on 29-year career
How SCREEN TIME Affects Adults
Office Work Can Lead To CANCER
How
can safeguard their Mental Health
Quiet heroine: Redefining what it means to do it all
LaRhonda Hamilton
LaRhonda Hamilton Quiet heroine: Redefining what
it means to do it all
As May celebrates National Military Appreciation Month, we are honored to highlight the journey of East Texas native and United States Army veteran, LaRhonda Hamilton. With immense pride, LaRhonda reflects on her twenty years, four months, and eight days of military service and remains dedicated to uplifting the veteran community whenever
Notably, her family has a military tradition. Her biological father was enlisted in the Air Force but tragically lost his life during his time serving when she was two years old. However, life took a meaningful turn when her mother, Virginia Baker, married her stepfather, Quince Baker, whom she considers her dad. Mr. Baker, a decorated Vietnam War hero, brought strength and stability to the family, showing how new beginnings can follow even the most difficult times. Her parents’ marriage remains resilient, as they celebrated their 55th anniversary this past MAY.
Additionally, she admires her mother’s determination in navigating being a single parent. Throughout the week, she stayed with her grandparents while her mother worked. She describes this arrangement as a blessing, receiving love from all sides, which played a significant role in shaping the woman she has become. She gives them all credit for instilling a foundation
“The bonds built through service are unlike any other.”
LaRhonda Hamilton
LaRhonda Hamilton
of guidance that still influences how she moves through life today.
Growing up, her experiences as an only child shaped much of her story. She often spent hours creating paper dolls from catalog cutouts, letting her imagination soar and developing a remarkable sense of creativity and self-entertainment.
However, her childhood was not without its challenges. She was naturally shy and reserved, not because she was sheltered, but simply because that was her personality. Despite her family's encouragement to get out and explore, she
struggled internally with her confidence. This introverted nature made her a target for bullying, especially among neighborhood children, which left her feeling isolated and self-conscious.
As she entered adulthood, she came to understand that her quiet nature was simply a chapter in her personal growth. Over time, she transformed her former insecurities into confidence and drive.
Subsequently, her upbringing led her to the military. Although she initially joined to further her education, she soon realized that her enlistment would offer far more than academic opportunities.
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Larhonda Hamilton
“I was seeking a chance to see the world, expand my perspective, and gain independence,” she said.
While serving, she worked as a Sergeant of Corrections Officers, a Child Maltreatment Investigator, and a Criminal Justice Instructor. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, and a master’s degree in Psychology.
Reflecting on her years in uniform, she shares that what she misses most is the camaraderie and sense of unity. She describes the unique power of being surrounded by people who understood the mission and supported one another like family. “The bonds built through service are unlike any other; that sense of belonging, teamwork, and connection is difficult to replace,” she said.
Transitioning from the armed forces, she continued to break barriers. She is currently a Criminal Justice Professor at Tyler Junior College, entering her 10th
year. She has earned the key to the City of Tyler twice, serves on multiple boards, is a Leadership Tyler Core Graduate Class of ‘36, and earned numerous accolades. She is also a motivational speaker, founder of World Changing Women Leadership, and founder of East Texas Veterans Banquet, an annual event held on November 2nd. But her greatest joy is her daughter, Bryia, an elementary art teacher in the Dallas, Texas area.
Over the years, she has discovered that it’s perfectly acceptable to decline invitations or step back from board commitments. She’s come to realize that prioritizing time for herself and her family is what matters most. The legacy she hopes to leave behind is to be remembered as someone who used her voice and life experiences to help open doors for those around her. “For me, success isn’t just about what I’ve achieved for myself; it’s how I can use my journey to inspire and empower others.”
“Walk boldly, trust yourself, and never be afraid to create your own path.”
LaRhonda Hamilton
Her advice to young women seeking to follow in her footsteps is to believe in their own potential, even before the world recognizes it. Do not shrink to fit into spaces where you are meant to sprout, and do not let self-doubt limit your ambitions. Above all, she urges them to stay disciplined, remain open to learning, and continually invest in themselves through education and personal development.
enjoys reading inspirational books, attending church, and relishing one of her favorite dishes, seafood. And, if given the opportunity to dine with any woman, she would choose Maya Angelou.
When asked what serving in the military means to her, she says, “It represents sacrifice, honor, and protecting our freedom. It also means a transformation that becomes who you are eternally.”
During her free time, she
But there is more to Army veteran LaRhonda Hamilton. As she continues to blossom, much like the roses of her adopted city, she is driven to serve beyond her activeduty career. She is committed to building a supportive space where women, past or present in the military, can find connection, healing, and resources. Her goal is to ensure they are seen, heard, and supported.
LaRhonda's family: Virginia and Quince Baker and LaRhonda's daughter, Bryia Lewis
OFFICE WORK CAN LEAD TO CANCER
Though office work might not be the first profession individuals think of in relation to elevating one's cancer risk, sitting at a desk for most of the day can increase a person's risk for cancer. According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, sitting for most of the day without engaging
in physical activity puts individuals at increased risk for cancer. How much extra risk does that entail? Though no two individuals are the same, studies have equated sitting for eight hours a day without any physical activity to the risk posed by obesity and smoking. The DFCI notes that sitting over long periods of time has been known to cause increased
blood pressure, high cholesterol and excess body fat around the waist, each of which have been identified as factors that increase a person's risk for cancer
Glenda Hughes closes deal on 29-year career
Story and photos by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI
After nearly three decades in real estate, Glenda Hughes is stepping into retirement with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for both her career and the community she has served.
Hughes, who is married and has one daughter, credits her upbringing for shaping the person she became. Raised by parents who valued faith and friendship, she says those early influences played an important role in her life. “We were always in church
and surrounded by friends,” she said, reflecting on the foundation that guided her personal and professional journey.
Her path into real estate began long before her career officially started. Hughes attended Kilgore College, choosing it for its proximity, but her interest in the industry dates back to the 1970s. “I always wanted to work in real estate,” she said.
That early ambition turned into a 29-year career defined by persistence and dedication. Hughes describes her professional climb in simple
terms: hard work. Over the years, she built a reputation for providing reliable, professional guidance to clients navigating one of life’s biggest decisions, buying or selling property.
“Real estate offers a professional service to people who need advice and direction,” she said. “Every client is different, and every day is different. There really is no typical day in this business.”
It’s that variety and the relationships she built that Hughes says she will miss the most. “The clients,” she said, without hesitation.
Outside of her work, Hughes has remained
active in the community. She attends church regularly and previously served on the board of directors for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA), contributing her time and experience beyond her profession.
For those considering a similar career, Hughes offers straightforward advice: be prepared to work hard and embrace an unpredictable schedule.
“You have to be able to work without a set start time and be willing to put in the effort,” she said.
As she looks back on her career, Hughes says she has no regrets. Instead,
she views her years in real estate as a success, one built on commitment, relationships, and consistency.
Now, as she enters retirement, her plans are refreshingly simple.
“Do whatever I want,” she said with a smile.
In her free time, Hughes enjoys browsing antique stores, reading, gardening, and indulging in her favorite food: seafood.
After 29 years of helping others find their place to call home, Hughes is now ready to enjoy her own next chapter.
Layla Wragg, Rachel Bogenschutz, Jana Cates, Glenda Hughes, Melanie Northcutt, and Lauryn Betts.
Dionne Minchew and Melanie Northcutt
Melanie Northcutt and Kat Smith
Glenda and Jim Hughes
How screen time affects adults How women can safeguard their mental health
The effects of screen time are a point of frequent conversation. However, such discussions often focus on the impact of screen time on the health and well-being of children. But children are not the only age group who has to consider how much time they spend with their devices. Many professionals spend hours on end in front of computers, and those same people may spend a lot of their free time watching shows and/or scrolling social media and news stories online.
There are quite a number of negative effects of too much screen time, even for adults. However, the point in time when device usage is considered detrimental to adults health is not clearly defined. Some health experts say that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day leads to a significant improvement in well-being. If that isn’t enough to convince adults to put down their devices, perhaps an examination of the various harmful side effects of screens might do the job.
Depression: A 2017 study published in the journal Preventative Medicine Reports found a significant association between television watching and computer use with moder-
ate or severe levels of depression. Several studies also have found a positive association between screen time and depression in adolescents.
Eye strain: Looking at screens can impact eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 rule for adults who work on a computer. This rule says that individuals look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of the day.
Neck and back pain: Time spent sitting at a desk or on a phone and looking down adversely affects the body. This places strain on the neck, shoulders and back. In fact, many health care providers refer to the condition as tech neck. Pain can occur and the risk for severe musculoskeletal issues can increase when these positions are held for too long, according to Reid Health.
Cognitive changes: A 2020 study in Science Direct found that adults who have been diagnosed with smartphone addiction had problems with the part of their brains responsible for transmitting messages. Such adults also exhibited reduced cognitive performance. In addition, Stanford Lifestyle Medicine reports adults who watched
television for five hours or more per day had an increased risk of developing brain-related diseases like dementia, stroke or Parkinson’s.
Reduced physical activity:
People who spend too much time on screens may be less likely to engage in physical activity, such as going on walks, working in the garden, playing sports, or engaging in active hobby projects.
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to various health implications, such as increased risk for obesity and the health problems that come with being overweight.
Impact sleep: The JAMA Network reports that among a cross-sectional analysis of 122,058 participants in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3, screen use was associated with decreased sleep duration and worse self-reported sleep quality. Electronic screen use before bed can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep.
Screen time is not just a concern for children. Adults should moderate screen usage to safeguard themselves from an assortment of negative, device-related outcomes.
Women face numerous challenges as they move forward in their personal and professional lives. In order to overcome such obstacles, women may feel the need to continually put on brave faces and act strong in assorted situations.
Over time, feeling the need to always appear ready to tackle the world can slowly chip away at women’s wellbeing, particularly their mental wellness. In order to right the ship, it may be necessary for women to identify behaviors that can improve and protect their mental health. The following lifestyle strategies can help.
È Get ample rest Give yourself permission to rest when you need it, and do not feel guilty for not being productive. In fact, think of the time you devote to yourself as productive since it is benefitting your health.
È Consider meditation Meditation can help soothe the mind and body. There are different meditation modalities. Some people like to sit listening to soothing music. You may want to join a yoga class where you can learn to breathe deeply. Alternative
meditation disciplines may be more in-depth or involve spirituality. Experiment with what works for you.
È Exercise regularly
The health organization
Women’s Care says exercising regularly can help maintain mental health. Exercise often is mentioned as a cure-all for many different conditions and may produce the same moodboosting benefits of prescription medications used to treat mental health conditions.
È Make friends
Socialization can help you feel less isolated and alone.
Participating in activities with others and gaining new connections is a healthy way to boost the brain and improve mental health.
È Participate in activities you enjoy Make time for activities that fuel hobbies or interests rather than just those required for work or maintaining the household.
È Eat healthy foods
Food can affect mood in various ways. Certain foods may contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which can increase risk for certain conditions. Choose foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to boost mental health. Others, like those rich in vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene, can be crucial for the proper function of the brain and nervous system, says the Family Institute.
È Learn about hormones. Fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may put you at risk for various mental health conditions. Speak with a doctor about what you can do to keep hormones more stable or to treat conditions as they pertain to these hormones.
Maximizing mental health may come down to certain practices that prioritize mental well-being.