Step into 天美传媒 Saco Center and the first thing you鈥檒l see is a colorful quilt hanging behind the front desk. Its bright moose, rainbows, and cheerful hellos in many languages reflect the community that gathers here. Greeting you at the front desk is the artist who made the quilt: a warm, grandmotherly woman, UMA alumna, and Administrative Specialist Brenda Plummer. Brenda has become a trusted guide for students, staff, and visitors, offering encouragement, practical help, and a ready smile. But Brenda鈥檚 story isn鈥檛 stitched from fabric and thread, but from determination, resilience, and living life on her own terms.
While Brenda is everything she seems to be: kind, empathetic, and nurturing, she is so much more. Sporting tattoos, piercings, and easy humor she is a woman who has weathered challenges and emerged stronger, cooler, and unapologetically herself.
Her path to UMA was anything but straight. She married young, endured an abusive relationship, and raised three daughters while working jobs that demanded grit and perseverance. At one point, her husband sent her to truck-driving school instead of allowing her to pursue nursing. Brenda met the challenge head-on, mastering the skills of maneuvering 18-wheelers in impossible spaces and earning the nickname 鈥淨ueen of the Alley Docks.鈥� Later, she supported her family by working three jobs, survived a career-ending back injury, and even built her own two-bedroom home from a garage.
Through it all, Brenda never lost her sense of compassion or her belief that second chances matter. When her daughter suggested she return to school, she took the leap and enrolled at UMA. At first she was afraid she would not succeed. But she found supportive professors who gave her the confidence to keep going. In her final semester, she faced her toughest challenge yet. Math was the class she had put off, and she soon fell behind. 鈥淚 thought about dropping out,鈥� she admitted. 鈥淏ut my professor took the time to listen, make a plan, and help me succeed. That made all the difference.鈥�
Graduating in 2024, Brenda reflects on her education as life-changing. 鈥淭he classes helped me to read and understand people better. I learned how to be a better listener. At UMA, every single teacher was so supportive and wonderful with me.鈥� She further shared, 鈥淚 like the respect I鈥檝e found here. I’ve had some rough jobs in my life, but here I feel respected and appreciated.鈥�
Today, she continues to serve students at the Saco Center with the same mix of warmth and grit that carried her through her own journey. Students say her encouragement inspires them to keep going. 鈥淵ou encourage me every time I come in to do the best I can do,鈥� said student Katrina Thibedeau. 鈥淵ou make me feel I can do it.鈥�
Brenda also shares her story with older students considering college. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a dream come true. It鈥檚 not too late. When the kids are grown, it鈥檚 time for you,鈥� she said. 鈥淎ll you need to do is tell yourself, 鈥業 will not stay on the couch. I can do this.鈥欌��
As UMA celebrates 60 years, Brenda鈥檚 story highlights the university鈥檚 long tradition of transforming lives through education. Her journey shows that transformation is not only about earning a degree, but about gaining confidence, embracing growth, and making a difference in the lives of others. She stands as a living example of 天美传媒 mission, proving that resilience and support can open doors to new possibilities, no matter where or when you begin.