Rivkin-Haas' day started with an oral exam in Russian history at 9 a.m., followed by comparative literature at 11 and finally Shakespeare at 3 p.m.
She was nervous until a history professor, noticing her discomfort, encouraged: "Just go in there and show off."
By the last exam, she was.
"I think it went well!" Rivkin-Haas said, glowing as she emerged from her exam with English professor Don Hedrick of Kansas State.
Her preparation included talking to her mother, Rosalyn, Class of 1964.
Ever since Rivkin-Haas was a child, she remembers her mother citing the names of her professors and the amazing things she learned from them in the honors program.
Rosalyn Rivkin, 65, a psychotherapist, said the experience prepared her for life.
"For me, any intellectual challenge I've ever had to take on since, I've had a degree of confidence that I don't think I would have had otherwise," she said.
She received high honors.
As did her daughter.
Rivkin-Haas, who plans to teach English in Vietnam next year as a Fulbright fellow, was among 62 students with high honors. An additional 36 got honors. Fourteen won highest honors, while a couple were passed over.
Contact staff writer Susan Snyder at 215-854-4693 or ssnyder@phillynews.com
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