‘Education is the pathway to success’

By Lisberma Peralta Aquino ‘20, Armando Martinez ‘19, and Lixangelys Ruiz ‘20 

Accomplished, talented, passionate, humble: these are the words that come to mind when describing Chancellor Phoebe Haddon’s vehement character. Having faced more than most can say, Mrs. Haddon serves as an exemplar individual whose words and touching stories often culminate with new perspectives for its audience.

Haddon’s story comes from a historic background full of misfortune and attainment. Her name comes with special historical meaning, as she is the daughter of Ida Bassette, whose name can be found through the pages of the novel Hidden Figures, as a computer who worked alongside Dorothy Vaughan at NASA Langley Research Center.

We had the opportunity to speak to Mrs. Haddon over the phone and hear a little about how her past brought her to where she is today.

Born in Washington D.C, Haddon spent most of her early childhood in the nation’s capital, during the end of formal segregation. Her father was a dentist, who was a graduate of Howard University, and was looking to relocate from the south to New Jersey, due to the job opportunities available up north. Like many other African-American families, the Haddons did not approve of the segregation that existed in the south, and was not going to let that hinder their path to freedom.

Chancellor Haddon stands outside her office at Rutgers-Camden University. (Rutgers-Camden Twitter account)

Upon arriving in Passaic, Haddon and her brother attended the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, while her mother served as a middle school and Passaic High School teacher. Even though she faced discrimination and nuisances over her race in a state that was alleged to be “equal,” Haddon believes that what incentivised her to overcome these struggles were the teachings from her family. Both of her mother’s and father’s family believed that “education is the pathway to success,” which is why they are all committed to excel in whatever they do.

Haddon comes from a family of highly educated people who assist others in receiving a higher level education. She and her brother have a scholarship under her mother’s name to give people the opportunity of obtaining this form of education. Her personality was much affected by both her parents, and the Passaic environment around her as she grew up amidst hindrances regarding her skin color. Even against these impediments, she managed to flourish and go on to become a role model.

Haddon is a role model to many and enjoys guiding others. During our interview with her, she spoke about many important topics and provided a lot of useful advice. She says that “education is the pathway to success.” Haddon encourages people to work hard, to be creative, practice problem solving, to think outside the box, and to seek advice from wise people. She believes that making “decisions in a vacuum” is not healthy and often limits people. Haddon believes that it is important for a person to make an impact on others by leading by example and give others opportunities. Therefore, it is important for you to act like a role model and impact people positively. Here is a list of all the things Haddon advises you to do, so that you can live a happy and successful life:

• Keep getting up.
• Stay energized.
• Prepare for everything. Preparation is key.
• Learn about other people that are different from you.
• Think outside of the box.
• Practice problem solving.
• Put yourself in different settings.
• Know your audience when speaking and expressing yourself.
• Travel!

One of the things that Haddon emphasized was traveling. She absolutely loves to travel! She highly recommends the book, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. This book focuses on history and America’s Great Migration. According to her, traveling widens not only your perspectives, but your experiences, which is what is most needed when facing the daily issues that everyone struggles with.

Phoebe Haddon is the ideal example of how education truly is the path to success. Haddon was raised in Passaic, just like many of us, and this connection will hopefully open the eyes of some kids that doubt themselves. She faced many obstacles, but she got through them all, step by step, and learned lessons from them. Education will get you places, and so will taking care of yourself and nurturing your skills. It is the start of many wonderful things, not only for yourself, but for others around you. Haddon walked through these same streets that you are walking now, and chose to walk through the streets of triumph, and you can do the same too.