Coleman Champion: Briauna Rivers

Name
Briauna Rivers 

City/Town of Residence 
Houston

Hometown & High School
Houston, Jersey Village High School 

Current Degree or Certificate Program 
Health Information Technology, AAS

Year & Class 
2nd Year, Class of 2027 

Jobs or Leadership Positions in Community 
Special Education Bus Monitor & Volunteer Bible Educator 

Talents or Hobbies, or Something People Don’t Know About You 
I love singing, painting and crocheting. I wrote and self-published a children’s positive affirmation book inspired by my daughter. 

Why did you enroll at HCC Coleman? 
I was inspired by my best friend Jenna who recently graduated from the Respiratory Therapy program at Coleman. When she was looking into schools, she spoke highly of Coleman’s pass rate and reputation, so I knew that no matter which program I chose, I could benefit from going to a well-known and established college in our community. 

Why did you choose your program of study? 
I originally wanted to go into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Radiography program, but I wanted to keep my options open just in case I didn’t get into either. Then Jenna mentioned that Coleman had a medical coding certification program that I could complete in a couple of short months.

After much research, I discovered Coleman had a HITT associate degree option and that the Health Information Technology and Health Information Management is a growing field where there is endless opportunity to advance and explore different roles. My ultimate goal was to get into a career field that would allow me to care for myself and my daughter, and this degree will help me accomplish that goal. 

What do you like best about your college experience? 
I’ve enjoyed being able to be on this journey with my best friend Jenna who’s now an RRT Coleman alumnus. I’ve also enjoyed having professors who have taken a personal interest in me by being a listening ear and offering words of encouragement at just the right time. 

What do you like best about your program of study? 
I really enjoyed going to practicums 1 and 2 where we were able to hear from many different RHIT/RHIA professionals. It’s helped me to have a better idea of the direction in my career path that I want to go post-graduation.

When you are tired, what motivates you to push forward? 
My daughter. She is my world and heart walking outside my body. I went back to school later in life during a time when our life took an unexpected turn, but I knew I wanted to finish what I started so I can provide for her in a career that will allow me to still be a present mother for her. 

What advice can you offer to help other students succeed? 
Know what your “why” is because when things get tough, and they will get tough, you won’t be so quick to give up all the hard work you’ve already put in. Remember to organize your time so you can complete assignments, but also take time to recharge so you don’t burn out. 

Any final thoughts? 
Sometimes we think we know the path we’re going to go down but don’t end up there. Be willing to be flexible if you didn’t get selected into your dream program. Sometimes the detours in life put us on the path we least expected but come with the biggest blessings soon to experience.