Business and Industry | Lion VoicesMay 05, 2025

Delayed but not Defeated, Troy Rodriguez Earns UAFS Degree

Written By: Amber Robinett, Ian Silvester

Some say college is a marathon, not a sprint. Troy Rodriguez, a senior business student at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, has set an example of resilience for those whose collegiate journeys may take time to reach the finish line.

“Being a first-generation college student isn’t a linear journey – it's a path filled with detours, skipped steps, and moments of backtracking,” he explained. “It’s not as simple as enrolling, studying, and graduating.”

Like many first-generation students, Troy’s story at UAFS began in an unfamiliar world without a blueprint.

“I didn’t understand how crucial things like time management, networking, or even academic support systems were,” Troy said.

As a result, Troy struggled.

He admitted to not understanding the significance of maintaining his GPA and dropped out after three semesters with a poor GPA.

“It wasn’t because I wasn’t capable, it was because I wasn’t prepared,” he reflected. “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

Unwilling to let this define him and his academic journey, Troy returned to UAFS. He was motivated to overcome the challenges he faced previously, like paying for school and turning his degree into a career.

“I had to step away from college to fully understand its value, and when I came back, I did so with the knowledge that this time, I was ready. I had to build myself back up, not just academically, but mentally, emotionally, and professionally,” he said.

A collegiate journey is not meant to be walked alone, and Troy found a community of UAFS faculty and staff to lean on over the years.

“[Dr. Jim Wollscheid] played a pivotal role in my decision to return to UAFS. [Drs. Wollscheid and Bun Song Lee] saw my potential, believed in me, and provided guidance that helped me navigate my return to college. They completely changed the trajectory of my life,” Troy said.

Through work and class, people like Kendall Ross and Professor Dennis Sprouse provided Troy with hands-on career experience by analyzing data for the Compass Report and teaching him about business law. However, it’s the lessons about life, responsibility, perseverance, and character that Troy holds in the highest regard.

“Their belief in me pushed me to aim higher, work harder, and take myself seriously in ways I hadn’t before,” he said.

But the support didn’t just come from the family Troy made at UAFS; it also came from home.

“My family was overwhelmed with joy when I told them I wanted to earn a college degree ... But when I made the decision to go back, their joy returned tenfold. This time, it wasn’t just pride in me going to college—it was pride in my perseverance, in my refusal to let setbacks define me,” Troy said.

Troy will graduate from UAFS in May. He hopes his journey will serve as a reminder that everyone’s college path is different, but surrounding yourself with people who support and believe in you can make all the difference.

“You don’t have to figure everything out alone. … Success isn’t defined by how quickly you finish but by your perseverance and growth along the way. If you make mistakes, learn from them. If you fail, get back up. And most importantly, give yourself grace—you’re doing something life-changing, not just for yourself, but for your family and future generations. The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Keep going, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of resilience,” he said.

• Tags:
• Business Administration
• First-Generation Student