Rhiannon Olguin knew it was time. In 2020, she was balancing family, work, and bills when she realized her strained marriage was heading for divorce. Working in an insurance office in Magnolia, she knew she needed a career change to support herself and her youngest son, Logan. The question was—how?
Olguin knew the best way to increase her earnings was to complete her college degree, but she had to find a way to fit school into her busy life. Facing an uncertain future, she decided to take the plunge and return to college in the spring of 2021.
“Going back to school was always something I knew I would do eventually, but the timing was always the thing,” Olguin said.
A graduate of Camden Harmony Grove, she had started as an education major at SAU Tech in 2007 before switching to nursing. However, after having Logan, she put her education on hold. By 2021, determined to finish her degree despite the challenges of divorce, she enrolled at SAU.
“With the challenge of going through a divorce, there were times when I wasn’t sure I could do this,” she admitted. “But when I set my mind to something, I’m going to accomplish that goal.”
A major difference this time was SAU’s online program, which allowed Olguin to complete her coursework on her own schedule. SAU’s elementary and middle school education programs are fully online, with field experience taken in the classroom.
Dr. Neelie Dobbins, chair of SAU’s Teacher Education Program, said the program is designed for working adults and career changers.
“It’s our largest program,” Dobbins said. “This program allows those in other fields and paraprofessionals to move into a different career.”
While online learning gave Olguin flexibility, balancing school, work, and parenting was still challenging.
“When life happened, it could be hard. Work didn’t stop just because life was happening,” she said. “I had to develop a schedule and stick with it.”
When unexpected challenges arose, Olguin relied on her professors for support.
“The professors were very supportive. If I needed anything, they were there for me.”
In fall 2022, Olguin completed her student teaching at Eastside Elementary in Magnolia. After graduating that December, she began teaching science at Camden Fairview in spring 2023. Now, she has her own classroom at Central Elementary in Magnolia, teaching reading, writing, and English.
“I love children, and I want to create a safe, learning environment where all my students feel accepted and know they are loved and valued,” she said. “In the end, this is where I want to be, and this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Olguin is one of many success stories from SAU’s education program, Dobbins said.
“One of our biggest strengths is helping students achieve their goals and become what they want to be.”
Olguin encourages others to return to school despite doubts or fears.
“Don’t let your age or thinking you’re not smart enough discourage you,” she said. “Going back to school is possible with the support of family, friends, and your professors.”
She was named to the President’s List each semester at SAU.
Her four children—Logan, now in ninth grade in Magnolia; Anna, a Magnolia graduate; Brittany, who lives in Texas; and Jacob, who lives in Camden—are all proud of their mom.
Now, Olguin is ready to give back.
“I feel like my place was to be in the classroom. This is where God wants me to be. I have so much to contribute.”
Olguin can now smile at how far she’s come. But she saves her biggest smiles for her students, knowing she’s making a difference in their lives every day.
