Campbell embraces cosmetology career, reinvention
Rhonda Campbell has discovered reinvention can happen at any stage of life. The Houston native recently completed San Jacinto College’s nail technician program, channeling creativity and determination into building a new career while honoring the artistic spirit she shared with her daughter.
Since 2016, Campbell lost her husband Don, her son Kinsley, and most recently her daughter Roshawn in 2024. For years, Campbell's life revolved around caregiving. When her daughter passed, she found herself unsure of what came next.
"It was a big part of my life, but I kind of lost myself in caring for my family,” she said. “Once my daughter was gone, it was like, 'OK, what am I going to do with me?'"
Campbell reflected on what brought her joy. The answer came when she reconnected with a passion she and Roshawn had shared: nail art.
"Roshawn had to have the longest nails with a different design on each one — 3D art, all of it,” she said. “Coming back to school was for me but also a tribute to her."
Returning to school after more than two decades wasn't easy. But Campbell shifted her work schedule and approached the transition with determination.
It was like starting all over. But it's been exciting to learn something I'm really interested in.
School expenses could have derailed Campbell's dreams, but San Jacinto College's support systems made her educational journey possible.
"San Jac's tuition assistance program helped me to avoid housing insecurity and allowed me to focus on my studies instead of financial hardships," she said.
This financial support proved essential for Campbell, who was already navigating the emotional toll of recent losses while trying to rebuild her life. She also found a valuable ally in instructor Oletha Brown, who helped her navigate the program’s more challenging concepts.
"She's been an inspiration,” Campbell said. “She probably doesn't even know that."
Campbell is now considering whether to open her own business or work at a salon. She's learned to trust her own process and give herself the time she needs to make thoughtful decisions.
"I'm just taking everything one day at a time — living life, enjoying life, and improving in life," she said.
With her certification complete and options ahead of her, Campbell has transformed uncertainty into opportunity. She's building a future on her own terms, guided by the wisdom that comes from knowing exactly what she can achieve.
Learn more about the cosmetology programs at San Jacinto College
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
