Rebecca Tomblin’s journey began at the Lincoln County Day Report Center. For over a decade, she struggled with substance use disorder. During that time at the Day Report Center, she met Patty Moore with Marshall University Heart of Appalachia Educational Opportunity Center.
Rebecca struggled to complete the program that she was attending because of her substance use disorder and thought that she would never be able to graduate from college. She did not have the opportunity to graduate high school, so she obtained her GED. Patty explained that regardless of her history and her failed attempts at completing her high school diploma, college was a viable option. Patty helped her complete the FAFSA and waived her admission fee. It took her six months to gain good standing with her loan distributor, and then she returned to school. Rebecca chose to earn a degree in psychology due to her passion for helping others. She wanted to give back and help others the same way individuals like Patty and the treatment team at the Day Report Center helped her.
Rebecca served as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the Marshall University Collegiate Recovery Community, where she assisted students who are in recovery or have a loved one who has been impacted by addiction in some way. As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, she offered support groups such as All Recovery, SMART Recovery, and SMART Family and Friends. Rebecca also conducted ally training, naloxone training, awareness events, sober tailgating, and volunteers within her community. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2022.