From serving eight years in the U.S. Navy to starting a family and earning a degree, Rebekah Moses’ journey has been anything, but ordinary. 

On May 21st, Moses earned her bachelor’s degree in health science, with an emphasis in health administration, and also earned distinction as the undergraduate dean’s medalist for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State. 

Prior to beginning her academic career at Fresno State, Moses honorably served eight years as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy. Her time in service actually began at 17 when she enlisted in the military. Less than a year later, the September 11 terrorist attacks happened, which made serving the U.S. her top priority. 

During her service, Moses achieved many accolades including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Award and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. She later earned an honorable discharge and returned to the Central Valley, where she started a family and raised four children. However, Moses always knew she wanted to return to school to pursue higher education. 

It is initially why she chose to enlist in the military right after high school. She knew the G.I. Bill, which provides educational assistance to servicemembers and veterans, would greatly benefit her. Raised in a lower socioeconomic household, Moses was unsure if she could afford college right out of high school. Receiving the G.I. Bill enabled her to revisit her long-term dream of being a first-generation college graduate. 

When her youngest daughter entered kindergarten, Moses knew it was the right time to make this dream a reality. She first enrolled and studied at Fresno City College, before transferring to Fresno State in the spring of 2020 and majoring in health science – a field that had become very familiar to her. 

“I’ve previously worked as an EMT, in a family care health clinic, in a pharmacy and as a patient care representative, so I’ve been working within public health for quite some time,” Moses said. “I find I really enjoy the field and helping people in my community.” 

Moses began the health administration program just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, shutting down in-person classes for three semesters. Although it was a tough transition for Moses, she persisted with professionalism and grace.  

While on campus, Moses was involved with the TRiO Student Support Services Veterans Program, the Hispanic Business Student Association and the American Sign Language Club. Even with her heavy workload as a full-time student and full-time mom, Moses maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her academic career. 

With one degree down, Moses has no plans to stop now. In the fall, she will pursue her Master of Public Health degree at National University, where she intends to continue her quest of serving others. 

“I want to be able to work here in Fresno For the Veterans Hospital,” Moses said. “I want to give back to our local hometown heroes and ensure they can access the care they need and deserve.”

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Learn more about the Rebekah Moses at the following news links:

Vide En El Valle – May 20, 2022

ABC30 Action News – May 5, 2022 

Fresno State DOSAEM Blog – May 2, 2022