We were lucky to catch up with Rasheidra Harmon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rasheidra, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
Throughout my life, my parents have allowed me to make mistakes but still supported me at every turn. Despite being an adult, I still see myself as their child, and as I progress and grow through life I continue to learn.
The experience has impacted me and continues to impact me in many ways, one teaching me accountability and that you do not always get it right and that is okay. Also, I fallen many times, but, they have always been there for me to help me pick myself up and try again.
In terms of my career, I have been able to change paths since undergrad and figure out which direction I may want to take with their support while still learning my likes and dislikes. For instance, I’ve always wanted to work with children. At one point of my life, I thought I wanted to be a Physician Assistant (PA). However, I wanted to deliver babies, to later learn that PA’s do not deliver but working in pediatrics was still an option. I entered into a Pre-PA program and liked the program, although I was struggling in certain areas.
While I was in the program, I became a substitute teacher and loved it. My mother and other family members asked me if I would ever consider going into education full-time and I said “no”.
During the course of the program, I became pregnant with my oldest son. After talking to my department chair, I was made aware that I may have to take the extended program track. Having heard that, I began to investigate other campus programs that would allow me to utilize the credits that I had already earned. While doing so, I also informed my parents that I wanted to write a book. My mom told me to go for it, my dad told me to make sure to do my research but he was sure that I could do it.
I published my first book in 2008 and gave birth to my oldest son in 2009.
I later changed my major to Rehabilitation Services. When I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree my mindset was that I had to complete school by my fourth year. It wasn’t what my parents said but that was my expectation for myself.
I graduated with my bachelor of science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in December of 2011.
While I was in my undergraduate studies, I substitute taught and began working in nearby counties. After completing my undergraduate studies, I realized that I enjoyed grading papers and wanted to apply for admission to our Counselor Education program.
While in the program, life took a toll and I was academically dismissed. The support and encouragement I received from my family and friends continued even after I felt I had let myself, my son, and my family down.
I later became an instructional assistant at an alternative school. While working there, I began to become familiar with my coworkers. Our school counselor at the time began speaking to me often about going back to school and trying again.
I eventually took the bait, My parents were excited and highly supportive. I was a nervous reck and at things were not the same as they were when I first attempted a masters program. Not only had life taken a toll, I was a mother of three and at the time pregnant. Amazingly, just like any other time my parents had my back in addition to, my other cheerleaders.
I graduated with my master of education in 2020, later on that year beginning a doctoral program. Despite my advanced age, my educational journey has not yet come to an end.
Rasheidra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Rasheidra Harmon, I am a native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the mother of four children, in addition to one fur baby. I am a sister to a few, a friend to some, and a family member to almost everyone that gets to know me.
In addition, I’m a member of the illustrious sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
During my early education, I attended Accomack County Public Schools and graduated from Arcadia High School. Go Firebirds! After graduating high school, I furthered my education obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Go Hawks!) and a Master of Education with a focus in Elementary and
Secondary School Counseling from Wilmington University.
My free time is spent with my family, writing books, attending book exhibits, singing with the youth and young adult choir members at my home church, attending sorority events and traveling with my children and/or my siblings.
Being an author wasn’t just about making my dreams a reality, but also pursuing my passion. Authorship was something that I was interested in and wanted to accomplish, so I took the plunge.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A story from my journey that illustrates my resilience is me not giving up. In spite of being academically dismissed, though it took time, I eventually found my way back and succeeded in obtaining my Masters degree.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Though my resilience can once again be illustrated by me not giving up the situation in this regard is different. Since the year of 2023, I have went from trying to be there for my father and help regarding his health to me myself being diagnosed with even more serious health issues than ones that I already have. While going through often times I have become discouraged, I had to continue to pray, stay around positive people, remove myself from some circles, and much more like allowing people to more into me. In addition, I had to come to terms with, not being able to do everything that I once could, like again had taken a toll BUT, I was and am still here. Though everyday is not a great day, it’s still a good day.
My feet still enable me to walk; my arms still allow me to wave; my mouth allows me to eat; my voice allows me to be heard; my ears allow me to hear; my eyes enable me to see; and with my pencil, I can still write.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theharmonlegacy.com
- Instagram: ra.harmon
- Twitter: theharmonlegacy
- Youtube: rasheidraharmon2227
Image Credits
Aaron Banks
Jeanita Castille