Linda Hatter named November Rotary Student of the Month

Dec. 9—FREMONT — Terra State Community College student Linda Hatter has been named the College's Rotary Student of the Month for November.

Hatter lives in Fostoria with her husband and children.

She graduated from Fostoria High School in 1990. Now at Terra State, she is taking classes to earn her Associate of Applied Business degree in Accounting.

Hatter said she chose Terra State because "the faculty and staff at Terra State are super kind, helpful and provide encouragement."

Being a first-generation student her experience was a little overwhelming at first. "Going back to college as a middle-aged mother of 11, I felt out of place with so many younger students than me. My parents didn't have the money for me to go to college, so it wasn't something I had thought about," said Hatter. "My main reason I decided to go back was for my children and to better myself. Seeing my children going to college and receiving degrees made me want to learn."

Outside of class, Hatter enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, couponing and sewing.

Her nominator Joy Ferkel, a tutor in the Academic Service Center, credits Hatter for her determination and hard work. "Linda Hatter represents the nontraditional student that was foundational to Terra State's beginnings. She will be an asset to the College as a graduate, and as an employee as she challenges new generations," said Ferkel. "Her quiet focus was honed during her home management years as a wife and mother. Her purpose in life has not changed, only expanded to include accounting beyond her large family. Hatter is an asset to Terra State, and her community with her appreciation of faculty and staff."

"The experiences I will take after I leave the college is the morals and values that Terra State instills in their students," said Hatter. "My advice for other first-generation students is to never give up. There have been so many times that I wanted to turn in the towel, but my determination to finish and become financially better keeps me going. Making the time and committing myself to do well in my studies is why I refuse to quit."

After graduation in 2024, Hatter wants to work in a tax accounting setting or for an educational institution.