Rebecca Frazier A.A./University Transfer Florida Community College, Class of 2005

In Harmony With The Future

Rebecca Frazier
Florida Community College, Class of 2005

When she was growing up, the thought of attending college was the furthest thing from Rebecca Frazier’s mind. She began working at an early age to help her mother make ends meet. “We never went without basic needs,” Rebecca said, “but we learned early what the word ‘no’ meant.”

As a military child, Rebecca moved many times, and in high school she found herself in Jacksonville, focused on developing her singing talent. Then something happened. Something very unexpected — and very good.

“I took an exam for my vocal-technique teacher, Ginger Haller at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,” Rebecca said. “A man I’d never met before sat in the back of the room while I sang, and when I finished, he asked me, ‘What are your college plans?’ I told him I didn’t have any. Then he said, ‘If I gave you a full scholarship to FCCJ, would you join us in the fall?’ It was a no-brainer.”

What she found at FCCJ were people who believed in her. “I love FCCJ because of the faculty,” Rebecca said. “They were so encouraging to me and never gave up on me. Every time I humbled myself to ask someone to help me, there was always someone close by who would. Because of this help I could visualize a plan and see a goal. Then that goal became easier to achieve. Without the faculty, I would never have found the road to my happiness.”

That road to happiness has led to Florida State University, where she is now majoring in vocal performance in the university’s prestigious school of music.

“My life goal is to become a concert soloist and perform with opera companies throughout the world,” she said. “Before, I would have thought this was impossible, but now I see it getting closer with every step I take.”

“One day I hope to walk onto a stage with a wonderful symphony orchestra and bring joy to listeners,” she said. “I am getting closer every day.” Rebecca won first place at the Schlern International Music Festival in Italy. Earlier, she also chalked up first-place honors at the National Association of Teachers of Singing in Atlanta.

“If this is the beginning of the rest of my life,” she said, “it is worth every challenge that awaits me.”

In a recent letter to her FCCJ teachers, Rebecca wrote, “You have shown me unexpected grace, and I am forever indebted to you. It is not often that educators extend themselves and sacrifice for their students. You have shown me patience, tolerance, encouragement, understanding and compassion in helping me achieve my potential. It is because of you that I am able to face even greater challenges now, head-on!”