For this graduating student, a Weber State degree was the ‘best use’ of her time
OGDEN, Utah — Though she doesn’t have a lot of spare time — as a mom to two boys, an associate broker in residential real estate, and soon-to-be Weber State University graduate — Celecia Peterson still finds ways to lift others.
“I always try to look for the highest and best use of my time,” Peterson said.
That philosophy led her to earn a degree in organizational communication, which she said “just makes sense” for her life and career.
“Everyone belongs to an organization,” Peterson said. “Whether it’s your family, work, or religion, we’re all a part of something."
Peterson’s 18-year career in real estate has been fulfilling, helping families achieve their dream of home ownership. Although she’s already successful, she said there’s no cap in her field, which fuels her to continue improving and seeking opportunities to learn.
“It’s also showing my kids I can do hard things,” Peterson said. “The air in the household changes when you prioritize education, and especially when a mother prioritizes it. The conversations around the dinner table change.”
After testing the waters of college with a public speaking course and a marketing course, Peterson felt encouraged to continue. Her professors helped her find ways to integrate her years of professional experience with new insight.
“The best thing about a degree in communication is that it can be almost whatever you want it to be,” said Elaine Schnabel, organizational communication assistant professor. “Celecia is a student who maxed out that potential, using the flexibility of communication to pursue what she’s passionate about. In the communication department, we love to support students’ vision, and our courses are designed to be able to stretch our students to do that at the top of their capacity.”
This spring, Peterson took what she learned abroad, spending four weeks volunteering with Ghana Make a Difference, an organization that shelters children who have special needs or have been rescued from forced labor trafficking or abandonment.
For years, she felt called to volunteer internationally and carefully looked for a program that respected local culture and families while offering meaningful ways to help.
Peterson organized her solo trip to West Africa, landing with a willingness to work and four suitcases of children’s shoes and medical supplies. She also collected four additional bags of donations, which will be delivered to Ghana this summer.
She brought firsthand experience helping children feel safe and supported in changing surroundings, having been a foster parent for six years. Though her last foster daughter is now with a biological family member, Peterson hopes she was able to open doors and show the young girl that she can envision and achieve any future she wants.
“One of our core values in our family is taking advantage of opportunities,” Peterson said. “We try to model that.”
Her husband, Clayton, is the fire marshal at WSU, and he earned his Master of Business Administration last year. Their oldest son, Colt, is a sophomore at Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science, better known as NUAMES, the university’s early college partner. Colt runs track, loves engineering, and will soon earn his associate degree in Chinese. And their youngest boy, 11-year-old Wyatt, has been described as “loud and passionate” since preschool.
The whole family will be at graduation, cheering Peterson on. After she earns her degree, Peterson said they’ll still visit campus frequently. She plans to continue attending athletic events and participating in some of her favorite WSU Alumni Association events, like the annual Purple Paw Parade.
She said she’ll fill her new free time with more volunteer or humanitarian opportunities, and hopes her boys notice the effort she pours into herself and her community.
“By watching their parents, my kids learned that you don’t just give up,” Peterson said. “You find a solution, and you plow through.”
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu