When 30-year-old NPC business student Evret Rice walks across the stage to accept
his associate degree in May, it will be more than just a young man completing an academic
goal—it will be the culmination of a yearslong journey to forge a better path.
Rice’s journey back to the classroom was far from easy. A graduate of Lakeside High
School, the Hot Springs native attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
When he lost his way in the classroom, however, Rice embarked on a journey to discover
himself.
“When college didn’t work for me, I lived life a bit,” Rice said. “I moved out of
state a few times. I worked a few dead-end jobs. I was just floating. Nothing felt
right for me. I was caught in this cycle where I saw time passing me by. I had bumped
my head a few times and I knew that I wanted more for myself.”
Seeking a new lease on life, Rice returned home and enrolled at National Park College
in 2020.
“My parents have always told me that I would need a degree to get the job and the
career that I want,” Rice said. “I chose to listen to them and that’s what inspired
me to go back. For me, NPC was convenient, affordable and right down the street. It
just made sense.”
As a nontraditional student, returning to the classroom was intimidating. Laser-focused
on walking across the stage with his diploma, Rice knew the only thing that could
stop him from reaching his goals was himself.
“Walking back into the classroom was scary for me,” Rice said. “Sitting next to 17
and 18-year-old kids had me wondering if I was too old for this. Some of the classes
were challenging for me. I was second guessing myself, but I knew that I had to keep
my head down and keep pushing forward.”
Today, Rice stands just three classes away from graduating with his associate degree.
With graduation fast approaching, Rice takes pride in how far he has come.
“Staying enrolled in school has been one of my life’s biggest achievements,” Rice
said. “Right now, I am three classes away from my Associate of Science in Business
to transfer. I can see the finish line. The pressure is on, but I’m so close.”
With NPC’s recent partnership with the University of Arkansas Monticello to offer
a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Rice’s academic journey enters
its next chapter.
“When I heard that NPC was going to offer a four-year business degree, I was blown
away,” Rice said. “Up to this point in my
life, I always felt like I got the short end of the stick when it came to finding
a career. Having the chance to get a bachelor’s degree without having to relocate
or being in huge debt is more than just a dream for me—it’s a necessity for my goal
of having a business career.”
Once he achieves his bachelor’s degree, Rice aims to use his creativity to take area
businesses to the next level.
“I would love to get into the marketing world,” Rice said. “That has always been a
dream of mine since I was 15 years old. I could see myself building jingles for companies.”
In addition to his studies, Rice gives back to the community he calls home as an administrative
assistant for NPC’s Community and Corporate Training center.
“When I first enrolled at NPC, I saw a sign in the Student Commons advertising for
work study applicants,” Rice said. “I met with Terry Bright, filled out an application
and got an interview a week later. She even helped me with my resume. For me, it’s
about more than just paying the bills. It feels good to give back. I’ve learned a
lot about computers, life and the professional world here. I’m blessed to have this
opportunity.”
Apart from his ambition to be a business owner, Rice has additional motivation to
excel—being a positive role model to his son.
“I’m a proud father to a nine-month-old son,” Rice said. “I’m happy to be able to
take care of him and watch him grow. My goal is to give him the best life I possibly
can. In order to do that, I need to be the example for him to look up to.”
No matter where his journey takes him next, Rice will never forget the road that got
him to where he is today.
“Sometimes, life is like a hurricane,” Rice said. “When it rains, it pours. No matter
how bad things seem in your life, however, there’s always hope to start over,” Rice
said. “I’ve had bump-ins with the law. There were times where I didn’t have a roof
over my head. I remember those days like they were yesterday. Breaking that cycle
takes time. Stay persistent and keep your head up. I’ve had to learn a lot about myself
and grow from the inside before I could come back and be successful. At the end of
the day, you get what you put in. Set up a plan and follow through.”
