Name: Leslie Karen Rogers
Age: 61
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
High school: Collinwood High School
Major: Social Work
Graduated: May 2016
Why did you choose Dalton State? The social work program offers Advanced Standing Status. This will allow me to finish a master’s degree program in one year.
What do you plan to do after graduation? I am looking forward to pursuing an MSW with a focus on older adults.
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Organizing the black history activities for the Social Work Club, joining the ice water challenge with my cohort, being recognized for academic excellence, releasing pink balloons to remember a Roadrunner's mom who died of breast cancer, working with the Make a Difference Day project at Murray County Development Center, and serving meals at the City of Refuge.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? The Taste of Dalton and watching the plays put on by fellow Roadrunners,
Where is your favorite study spot? The little pavilion under the trees in front of the Health Professions Building.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? Starting the school year with my son Jabril. He is also a student at Dalton State.
What is the last book you read? The Bible.
Favorite comfort food? German Chocolate Cake!
What is your guilty pleasure? Tiramisu and Thursday night TV with my sister.
What do you feel most proud of? The fine men and women my sons and daughters have become.
What cheers you up? Laughing, chocolate, and great gospel music.
What is your favorite book? Anything with a Star Trek theme, after the Bible.
Who is your hero? My mother.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? Phylicia Rashad
What is your favorite childhood memory? Climbing up my dad while he pretended to be a tree!
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? John Martin's grandson. He and Tracie, daughter of a slave girl purchased in 1790, taught their children to read, write, and manage business dealings. I am the eighth generation of that union.
What is your favorite app? Ruzzle, I play it every day.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? A grownup.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? As a more mature student, being a part of the Roadrunner Nation has meant mustering the energy and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with having younger friends. It also means being part of a community of learners while celebrating the instructors who have dedicated themselves to my success. It means sharing midterms and finals with my son. Now it means looking for a familiar face and finding it everywhere.