It's Never Too Late to Rise

It's Never Too Late to Rise

• Students
• 06/03/2026

"As I stand here today, I'm reminded that not everyone who started this journey made it to this moment, and that's okay," Tamara Coffman-Baker said. "I am also nearly 40 years older than many of my peers, and that's okay, too."

Tamara's journey hasn't been easy.

At a young age, she experienced mental, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. As a freshman in high school, she lost her father to suicide. At 16, during her senior year, Tamara, her sister, and a family friend, were hit by a semi-truck. Her sister was critically injured, and her friend at 8.5 months pregnant lost her baby. Tamara spent months recovering and learning how to walk again.

Still, even through unimaginable hardship, Tamara refused to let her circumstances define her future. She fought to return to school, and she graduated from high school on time in June of 1989. That same year, Tamara enrolled at Rock Valley College, but she wasn't ready for this step. She left after one semester with a 1.5 GPA.

Shortly after the birth of her daughter in 1992, she began working at Chrysler, where she built a career that spanned decades. That job helped her provide for her family and became a major part of her life.

In 2021, Tamara married her best friend. But just days later, her sister passed away after her courageous battle with cancer. Before her sister died, she told Tamara: "Do the work. Get the healing you deserve."

In 2023, after many years, Chrysler closed its doors. Tamara was once again at a crossroads. She could stay stuck or she could start again. Chrysler was offering employees tuition assistance to help them build new skills and prepare for new opportunities. For the first time in years, Tamara saw an opportunity not just to start over, but to rediscover herself. So, she returned to Rock Valley College.

Her first semester, she failed two classes and withdrew from one. She didn't realize her online courses had already started. She often sat at the back of the class, overwhelmed, holding back tears.

But instead of walking away, Tamara made the decision that she would stay. One assignment at a time, one class at a time, she kept showing up.

Slowly, things began to change. She passed her classes and made the Dean's List.

"Advising Tamara over the past two years at RVC has been a rewarding experience," said Vivi Dahle, Athletic Academic and Transfer Advisor. "As a nontraditional, adult student returning to school while balancing the responsibilities of being both a mother and a wife, she came in with clear goals and a strong determination to succeed," Vivi continued. "She embraced challenges rather than avoided them, and even when things didn't come easily, she remained persistent and solution oriented. Her character is defined by accountability, curiosity, and a quiet confidence that grew steadily over time."

Tamara's family was proud. She was pleased with herself, but she wanted more.

Her final semester tested Tamara again. Missed grades, no communication, with every reason to give up.

But quitting was not an option. She reached out. She advocated for herself and kept going.

"Tamara truly embodies what it means to advocate for yourself and your people.," said Clayton Duffy, business professor. "From day one, she was someone I knew I could count on to not only lead in the classroom, but on campus and in our community. Students like Tamara make the good times better and the hard times worth it. I am a better educator because of students like Tamara."

Amanda Kieper, Professor of Speech & Leadership Development felt Tamara brought a level of maturity and insight that elevated the classroom culture as she encouraged her peers throughout the semester and challenged them to want more for themselves.

"When Tamara walks into a room, she raises the bar, and everyone in her presence grows with her. She is truly a remarkable human being with a heart for service and a love of learning. I will never forget her."

Today, Tamara's story stands as a reminder that success is not measured by how quickly someone reaches the finish line, but by the courage it takes to keep moving forward. She has graduated from RVC with an associate of arts degree and plans to be a beacon of light in her community.

And if there is one thing she hopes others remember from her journey, it is this:

"No matter where you start, no matter how many times you fall, it is never too late to rise."

"Every small positive thought, every moment I chose to keep going-it added up. That's why I kept pushing, and that's why I stand here today."

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