Antoinette Street’s journey through healthcare education, family life, and personal growth is a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and dedication. Balancing raising her children with returning to school, navigating rigorous coursework, and pursuing meaningful experiences in healthcare, Antoinette has shown remarkable resilience and commitment. Her story highlights not only the challenges she faced but also the passion she discovered for learning, helping others, and giving back to her community. In this interview, Antoinette shares insights from her experiences, lessons learned, and her aspirations for the future.
Can you tell me a bit about your background before coming to Ross? I had an internship at St. John’s Hospital in downtown Detroit, working across different units. I really enjoyed the structured environment and realized I thrive in it. As a kid, I struggled with math, but when I returned to school for the pharmacy tech program, everything clicked differently. I also had the chance to take care of my children in between my studies, and I’m thankful my mother supported me during that time. Those experiences shaped how I approach both learning and life.
Did you face any challenges when you first started at Ross?
At first, everything being online was a bit of a hurdle for me. I’m someone who likes to have a physical book I can flip through, so adjusting to the online format took time. But I quickly adapted and learned to navigate it. The community at Ross was supportive, and that made a big difference. I also realized that age and experience can change how you approach learning, which helped me stay motivated.
Were there any memorable moments during your time at Ross?
There were so many. One that really stands out is the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. We decorated bags for people affected by breast cancer, and I made a memorial bag for my dad, who passed from prostate cancer. We walked through the hall with the lights off to honor those we had lost. I also volunteered with medical students, helping with their vitals and even taking care of kittens that had been found in a woodpile. Those hands-on experiences made the learning process feel real and meaningful.
How did you secure your externship, and what was that experience like?
I actually reached out to the facility I wanted to work with, Greenfield, and expressed my interest. The school’s externship coordinator then approved the site and helped set everything up. I ended up doing over 42 hours, pulling about 30 hours a week. It was exciting and rewarding, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to apply what I had learned in a real-world setting.
What are your future goals after your externship?
I would love to work at a facility close to home, preferably in Warren, so I can balance work and family. I want to continue as a pharmacy tech for a while and eventually transition into teaching at Ross. I think trade schools are incredibly important because not everyone wants to attend a four-year college. Helping young people gain practical skills and confidence in their careers is something I’m really passionate about.
Have you faced challenges outside of school that shaped who you are today?
Yes, I think having ADHD has been part of my journey. Sometimes it’s hard to stay engaged with things I’m not naturally interested in, but I’ve learned to push through and focus on what matters. I’m also shy when it comes to talking to strangers, so I’ve had to work on communicating effectively, especially in healthcare settings where talking to patients or their families is essential. These challenges have taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of being proactive.
What advice would you give to new students at Ross or anyone starting a new career?
Stay engaged, listen, and pay attention. Don’t just go through the motions or try to wing it. Take notes, be present in class, and stay teachable. Even when you think you know something, there’s always a new perspective or method to learn. Approach everything with curiosity and openness. It really makes all the difference.
What is your proudest achievement?
Enrolling my kids in school and being able to balance my family with my education has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Managing responsibilities at home while pursuing my career goals has taught me resilience and time management, and it’s something I hope my children see and learn from as well.
How do you and your family like to spend your free time?
We love being outdoors, especially in Michigan during the summer. We go hiking, visit parks, and spend time at the beach. My kids enjoy swimming, and we try to explore new places like Traverse City or Mackinac Island when we can. Being active as a family helps us bond and keeps us energized.
Looking back, what do you hope people take away from your journey?
I want people to see that it’s never too late to pursue your goals, even if life takes you in unexpected directions. Challenges and setbacks are part of the process, but with determination, curiosity, and the willingness to learn, you can turn those obstacles into opportunities. Life doesn’t have to follow a straight path, and sometimes the detours lead to the most meaningful experiences.
Antoinette Street’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, curiosity, and dedication can open doors, even when life presents obstacles. From navigating online coursework to hands-on externship experiences, balancing family responsibilities, and finding a passion for teaching, Antoinette has shown that perseverance and a willingness to learn can turn challenges into opportunities. Her journey inspires others to embrace their own paths with confidence and determination.