Amber Walker had always dreamed of attending college and becoming a nurse, but those plans were put on hold when she became a single mom at 18. She had her son, Dawson Hinds, at a young age and spent many years raising him alone until she met her wonderful husband. “For a long time, I put my own goals on the back burner to focus on giving my children the love, support, and stability they needed,” Amber said. “Once they reached a point where they were more independent, I finally felt it was time to do something for myself, and that’s when I began my journey at UAHT.”

Starting at UAHT was a truly unique experience for Amber, especially because she began her college journey alongside her son, Dawson, who was just 16 then. Their bond, strengthened by their shared goal of education, was a source of inspiration. “Dawson was already a few steps ahead, having been part of the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy at UAHT since the 10th grade,” she said. “Since Dawson already had some college experience, he never hesitated to help me when I needed guidance.”

“At 34 years old, going to college with my high school-aged son was both humbling and incredibly rewarding,” Amber said. “My path to higher education was not a straight one—I had to put it on hold to raise my children and focus on building a life for them. But I never let go of the dream. Though our journeys were different, Dawson and I shared a common goal of growth, perseverance, and lifelong learning. He brought youthful energy and a fresh outlook, while I brought life experience and determination. Together, we supported and inspired each other every step of the way.”

During Amber’s time at UAHT, she was honored to receive multiple scholarships and became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a reflection of her commitment to maintaining strong grades and pushing forward despite many challenges. Dawson also persevered, simultaneously earning his Associate of Arts degree and high school diploma through the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy at UAHT. He will be heading to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville this August, having earned over $24,000 in scholarships. “My experience at the Arkansas High Collegiate Academy at UAHT was great,” Dawson said. “The faculty and staff were always friendly, and the courses had excellent content to prepare me for the University of Arkansas. UAHT always prioritized the students.”

“Together we pushed through, supported one another, and accomplished a significant milestone side by side,” Amber said. “Our journey proves that age is just a number, young or older, and that you should never let it define or limit what you can achieve.” Now, Amber and Dawson have graduated together at 36 and 18, just a mother and her son, who walked across the commencement stage side by side, completing their goals and stepping into the next chapter of their lives. “It is one of the best feelings, graduating with my son and reaching our life goals together,” Amber said. “Thank you, UAHT, for helping make this possible!” As they move forward, Amber plans to continue her education by pursuing an RN degree in the ARNEC program at UAHT and become a labor and delivery nurse. Dawson is excited to start his journey at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in finance. Their education has not only opened doors for them but also set an inspiring example for others.