Dec. 15, 2025
With our commencement ceremonies set for Friday, Dec. 19, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.
Read on to learn more about Rhonda Rojas of Austin, Texas, who is completing a Master of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with a clinical laboratory science emphasis.
Rhonda Rojas
Degree: MHS in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, clinical laboratory science emphasis
Hometown: I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and relocated to Austin, Texas, where I resided until I moved to Columbia, Missouri, in 2013.
Favorite quote:
Growing up, I enjoyed school and studying. But when I was only 11, I felt defeated after taking the Caribbean standardized examination known as the Common Entrance, which I did not pass for the school of my choice. Seeing my disappointment, my mother offered words of encouragement that have stayed with me throughout my life: “When the road is rough and you feel like giving up, remember … it is the end result that always tells.” To this day, I still hear her voice echoing in my mind: “It is the end result.”
An interesting fact about you (that people might not know):
Most people don’t know that my strength was born from a disappointed 11-year-old girl who learned early how to rise without becoming bitter. It was also a science teacher, Ms. McCarney, who believed in me (at 12) and once told me that I would become a great scientist.
What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?
I am truly at a loss for words. Being enrolled in the MHS program has far exceeded all of my expectations. The professors have been professional, supportive and genuinely committed to addressing the needs of each student. In summary, I feel blessed to be part of the Mizzou College of Health Sciences alumni.
What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?
I cannot choose just one. Honestly, I enjoyed every class, and I know that may sound unusual. Each course presented its own challenges, which I saw as opportunities to learn and grow further as a human being.
What activities have you been involved in along the way?
Along the way, I joined Gamma Phi Beta as an alumna initiate, which was a wonderful opportunity to support college students and serve as a mentor. I also became a member of King’s Daughters, a philanthropic organization focused on community service, including programs such as Mid-Mo Dental Aid, which supports local students.
Who helped you during your college journey?
My husband has been my biggest supporter. On days when I felt overwhelmed by school, work and family life, he would remind me how proud he was of me and encourage me, much like my parents always did.
My co-workers also provided tremendous support. Throughout the day, I would share what I had learned in class, and they would share their own experiences, reminding me that completing the MHS program was possible and encouraging me to keep pushing forward. One co-worker would often tell me, “You got this … because you don’t even know how to fail.”
What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?
The surreal reality of receiving the acceptance email into the MHS program and joining a Zoom call with fellow MHS students made me feel truly blessed to be part of this journey.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to take a 1.5-year break from academics to take up a few hobbies and travel a bit, then possibly resume school by getting my Ph.D.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Like my mother used to say, “When the road is rough and you feel like giving up, don’t,” because only you can define your future. At 11, I did not fully understand what she meant when she said, “It is the end result that will tell.” I just knew that she believed in me.
Now, at 47, I fully understand: It means that no one else can define your journey or determine your outcome — only you have that power.