Rhonda Lang
For Rhonda, returning to school as a working adult with children required more than ambition; it required flexibility. Herzing University’s online format provided the structure she needed to balance her responsibilities while pursuing her education. “As an older, working adult with kids, the online format worked best for me,” she says.
While most of her coursework was online, one required in-person class at Herzing’s Madison, Wisconsin campus left a lasting impression. The campus quickly became her quiet haven for studying. “I would come there to work on my homework in peace,” she recalls.
One night in the computer lab, Rhonda found herself stuck on a programming assignment. Frustrated and short on time before the lab closed, she was beginning to question whether she was cut out for this. “I just couldn't get my fish to swim the right way,” she remembers.
That’s when a Herzing staff member stepped in. With calm guidance, he walked Rhonda through the problem, helping her understand what to do. “His patience and guidance made all the difference. I was able to get my fish swimming correctly and successfully pass the class,” she says.
That small act of support helped Rhonda push past the self-doubt that often accompanies adult learners returning to the classroom. “That interaction sticks out as such a positive memory for me,” she reflects. “Having someone there in that moment encouraged me to keep going.”
And she did. What began as a pursuit of an associate degree ultimately led to her earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Herzing. Throughout her journey, she found consistent encouragement from staff and faculty. “The commitment to supporting students like me made all the difference,” she says.
Now, looking back, Rhonda credits her success to more than flexible course formats and strong academic it was the human connection that carried her through. “Even through the frustrations and self-doubt, I'm so grateful I had Herzing in my corner,” she concludes.
Rhonda’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures of support can spark the biggest transformations. Her journey shows how Herzing University’s commitment to individual attention empowers adult learners to move from uncertainty to achievement—one encouraging moment at a time.
