Chapstick, Cold Winters, and Commencement Speeches: A Tale of Mother and Daughter Grads

ST. GEORGE, Utah — It is a popular sentiment to say that after students graduate from Utah State University, they officially become permanent members of the Aggie Family. But for two graduates from the USU Southwest Region, that sentiment is a bit more literal. The region’s 90 graduates included a mother/daughter pair.

Cheryl Hawkins and her daughter Paola Hawkins were two members of the USU Southwest Class of 2024, graduating with bachelor’s degrees. Cheryl achieved a bachelor’s degree in special education, while Paola graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Not only did the duo graduate at the same time– the two were the commencement speakers at the region’s ceremony held at the end of April. While taking different paths during different generations, the pair were proud to graduate together.

“We have had a great time comparing experiences,” Cheryl said. “It has been a fabulous journey.”

The pathway to graduation was a challenge for Cheryl. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at a school in Virginia but eventually left prior to graduation to go on a mission for her church and later get married. She would become a stay-at-home mother to four children. Although she was encouraged by her mother that one day she would return to school, Cheryl states she had no intention of going back, having not even completed her associate degree.

That changed when she attended a USU seminar for the Online Practical Teacher Training (OPTT) program. Although she enjoyed the presentation, Cheryl was convinced it was not for her. Leaving the classroom, she did what many do; she grabbed some items from the swag table. Little did she know that chapped lips would be the reason she would eventually graduate from USU.

“I love swag,” she said. “On my way out of the meeting, I grabbed a USU chapstick. Even though I thought I had put the idea behind me, I kept finding that chapstick in random places and it would remind me of the OPTT program. I eventually decided to learn more, and here I am– an OPTT grad. All because I was stalked by a tube of free chapstick!”

Paola’s journey was a little more traditional. After graduating from Hurricane High School, she went to San Antonio Texas on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning home, she followed some of her friends to the USU campus in Logan. Arriving in March, Paola quickly learned that she could not handle the Logan winters.

“I realized I had made a grave mistake,” she said. “This was a kind of cold I was not used to nor knew how to handle.”

Returning to southern Utah, she initially tried to go to Utah Tech University. After meeting with an academic advisor, she learned that her major was not available there. She was encouraged to continue at USU, utilizing USU Online.

Now both going to school online, Cheryl and Paola helped each other balance school. Remembering her mother taking her to her first day of kindergarten, Paola recalled being a little apprehensive. Her mother being there to encourage her allowed for an easier transition. Paola was proud her mother could be with her at school again, this time as a classmate in college.

“I was scared to be leaving the comfort of home and glad my mom was there,” Paola recalled as she walked to Citrus Elementary as a five-year-old. “And all these years later we are still here together.”

Although there was little overlap between the two students, they encouraged each other to keep going. And at the 2024 USU Commencement, they reached their goals. Both spoke on overcoming challenges, staying resilient, taking things one day at a time, and continuing to blaze their own trail.

Of all the lessons she learned along the way, Cheryl shared the most important.

“Expect the unexpected!” she declared.

Paola and Cheryl now both have plans to continue their education, each pursuing master’s degrees via USU St. George. Cheryl was elected as the 2024-25 USUSA vice president for the Southwest region. She will enroll in the special education master’s program. Paola was appointed as the 2024-25 USUSA student representative for the Southwest region. She will enter the Master of Human Resources program.

“We are both looking forward to starting our master’s program in the fall,” Paola said.

The duo traveled to Logan last week to participate in the university’s commencement ceremony. Staying together in an Airbnb, they were able to celebrate together with family and friends. Cheryl says it will be fun to continue their schooling together once again. Whether they graduate together again or have different timelines, she knows one thing will stay true.

“We will continue our support of each other throughout our schooling and life in general,” she said.

If there was any advice Cheryl could give others who were in her position, it’s this: “Do not wait another minute!”

With locations in Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Junction, Kanab, Nephi, Panguitch, Richfield, and St. George, Utah State University provides higher education access to rural communities via USU Southwest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and technical education opportunities, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at southwest.usu.edu.