Texas Tech University

At the Regional Sites

TTU at Fredericksburg Student Graduates with Honors

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

Sarah stands outdoors wearing a white shirt and multi-colored pants while and smiles at the camera

Sarah is excited to take on the next chapter in her life.
Credit: Wayfarer Photography

Sarah stands outdoors wearing a white shirt and multi-colored pants while and smiles at the camera

Sarah is excited to take on the next chapter in her life.
Credit: Wayfarer Photography

Sarah Dishongh started her college career as a full-time manager of a coffee shop and the mother of three. Her children range in age from 5 to 10, which keeps Sarah pretty busy when she isn't in class or working.

Becoming a mother at the age of 17 and being a part of the state custody foster care system, it would seem that the odds were against Sarah to obtain a college degree. But she made graduating college a high priority in her life.

That's when Texas Tech University at Fredericksburg became her academic home as she decided to pursue a bachelor's degree with the University Studies Program.

Sarah stands outdoors wearing a white shirt and black skirt with a ttu stole around her neck as she poses with her right arm across her body and her left arm and fist under her chin smiling at the camera

Sarah makes sure she is graduation-ready.
Credit: Wayfarer Photography

Sarah stands outdoors wearing a white shirt and black skirt with a ttu stole around her neck as she poses with her right arm across her body and her left arm and fist under her chin smiling at the camera

Sarah makes sure she is graduation-ready.
Credit: Wayfarer Photography

"My overall experience at Texas Tech has been a really fun chapter in my life," Sarah explained. "My classes at TTU Fredericksburg were on the smaller side, so I got to know my professors and classmates really well."

In addition to building great relationships and learning valuable information, Sarah says she loved the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree without having to uproot her family and move to Lubbock.

"My counselors, professors and classmates were all such amazing, encouraging people," she said. "I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet them all throughout the journey."

In December, Sarah participated in the commencement ceremony as the Banner Bearer for University Programs, an honor reserved for students of outstanding achievement. She graduated with honors with degree concentrations in integrated studies, business and RHIM (restaurant, hotel, institutional management).

"This experience has given me a great foundation to build on," she said. "It feels amazing to finally have reached my goal."

Sarah has several aspirations for her future but would like to become debt-free before pursuing them. "After paying off my debt, I would like to open my own business and build my own home," she explained.

Sarah stands between her young son and young daughter while holding her arms up and holding hands with her youngest child as he sits on the back of Sarah's neck

Sarah and her three children.

Sarah stands between her young son and young daughter while holding her arms up and holding hands with her youngest child as he sits on the back of Sarah's neck

Sarah and her three children.

While she plans to continue her education at some point in the future, Sarah has another goal that is close to her heart. "I am planning on organizing a foundation geared towards helping single moms obtain a college degree," she said.

Sarah credits her success to the convenience of the TTU Fredericksburg site and access to the same resources offered in Lubbock.
For other students in similar situations, Sarah has some advice.

"Don't even think twice. Just go for it!"