In 1995, I was twenty years old and had worked more jobs in fast food and retail than I could remember. One day, I found myself watching a TV commercial for a local allied health school. In it, a child exclaimed, “My mommy went to Ross!” I knew immediately that I wanted a career – a real career in the medical profession. I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Ross Medical Education Center in Ann Arbor.
I was impressed by the amount of support I received from my instructors and the Campus Director. Everyone told me I had a promising career as a Medical Assistant. Some of the most important lessons I learned from them went beyond the classroom. They stressed the importance of presenting a positive and professional image in the workplace.
After I received my MA certificate, I worked in a variety of medical settings, from a podiatrist’s office to the Michigan Association of Endodontists. But I always knew that I really wanted to teach. In 2001, I took a position as an MA instructor at the same Ross campus in which I was once a student. Soon I worked in Career Services. It wasn’t long in Career Services before I was promoted to Assistant Campus Director before I became Campus Director in 2008.
It’s hard to believe how quickly time passes. I now have five children. I often think back to what I learned from my mentors when, as a young woman embarking on a new career. It was a scary and exciting time, but with the support of Ross I was able to fulfill my dreams. I chose Ross then because I wanted a change. I wanted a career and I wanted the support to help me achieve my goals. I received everything I was looking for and more. Today I am able to pass on that same experience to students looking for a new career. That opportunity is why I still choose Ross now.