Rosie Brower’s past has shaped her compassion for the students at Walla Walla University and led her to be a mentor and caregiver to students throughout the years.
Born in Belize on October 7, 1974, Rosie Brower at the young age of 3, was taken up by her adoptive mother who envisioned a future graced by her infant child. Rosie was raised in a single-child household. Her adoptive mother worked as a midwife and trained to give shots and deliver babies. [1]
Brower would find herself reminiscing of one day seeing her biological mother, but her cautious loyalty to her family steered her away from leaving her adoptive family and reconnecting with her biological mother in Belize.
One of her fondest memories growing up included taking annual trips to Camp MiVoden with her parents at family conventions where she spent her time in fellowship with other family friends.
Brower has a youthful heart; she sees enjoyment even in the smallest things. She spends her free time watching her favorite television shows. She also has a sweet tooth and loves snacking on her favorite cookies and chocolate mint ice cream.
Brower holds animals close to her heart and fosters in her free time, once fostering a pet for up to a year. [2] Her interests extend to her role model, Max Lucado, a famous Christian pastor, speaker, and writer; she finds his writings informative with real-life studies and considers him a spiritual mentor in her life.
Brower has worked at the cafeteria for 17 years, welcoming entering and exiting students from year to year. After being asked who Brower sees herself to be, she answered by saying, “She’s really sweet, she’s outgoing, she’s a social butterfly, she loves to shop.” [3] A glow lit up in her eyes, followed by her infectious laughter.
Brower provides motherly care, taking it upon herself to be a guide and mentor to every student she encounters: “I work really hard to connect with students because I want them to graduate with self-esteem and self-worth to take those steps and move forward.”
She later said, “I thrust on the energy to get these kids through school if it’s the last thing I do.” [4] Brower commits herself to being a counselor and provider that sets the students at the forefront of her mind throughout their highs and lows.
Senior social work major Nyasha Taruwinga said, “I feel loved, I feel as if I’m welcomed into my mother’s arms, Rosie is there to greet me with a beautiful smile.” [5]
Sophomore theology major Khup Deih Niang also added, “Her smile is contagious, I can be having the worst day and then I see her, and she forces me to smile. I really appreciate her.” [6]
Rosie has had an impact on the culture here at WWU. Her compassion for students is unmatched, she listens closely with open arms, caring for the students as if they are children of her own.
References
2-4. Ibid.
