Success is rarely defined by a straight path. More often, it is shaped by determination and the courage to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. For Jasmine Hughes, a Pharmacy Technician student at Ross, that journey began in Flint, Michigan, where she learned the value of perseverance from her mother’s strength and dedication to healthcare. Inspired to serve others, Jasmine developed a passion for helping people and a desire to build a meaningful career in the medical field. Along the way, she faced obstacles that might have caused many people to give up, including self-doubt, family illness, personal loss, and the challenges of raising six children while pursuing her education. Yet through every setback, her faith, resilience, and commitment to creating a better future for her family kept her moving forward.
Today, Jasmine is not only building a successful future for herself but also setting an inspiring example for her children and for others who may be wondering if it is ever too late or too difficult to pursue their goals. Her story is a reminder that perseverance, faith, and a strong support system can help people overcome even life’s toughest challenges.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jasmine about her journey, her experiences at Ross, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My story really begins with my mother. She was only sixteen years old when she became pregnant with me and seventeen when she gave birth to me. Despite being so young and facing many challenges, she always made sure I had everything I needed. From the day I was born, she provided love, guidance, support, and encouragement. No matter what obstacles she faced, she continued moving forward with strength, determination, and a smile on her face.
As I grew older, my stepfather came into our lives, and his presence was a tremendous blessing. By that time, my mother had five children, and his support meant so much to our family. I am the oldest child on both my mother’s and father’s side, which taught me responsibility and leadership from a very young age.
Faith also played an important role in my upbringing. My mother made sure church was always a part of our lives. Being introduced to Christianity at a young age gave me guidance, purpose, and values that continue to shape who I am today. Throughout difficult moments, my faith became a source of strength and comfort.
Although my parents faced many hardships, they worked hard to shield us from those burdens. As children, we often did not see everything they were going through because they always made sure we felt loved and supported.
One of the most difficult experiences our family faced was when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early forties. Despite the fear that came with that diagnosis, she remained incredibly strong and did not want her children to worry. Watching her go through that experience had a profound impact on me. I remember wanting to do whatever I could to help her get better, and it reinforced something I had always felt, a passion for helping people.
Thankfully, with the love and support of our family, my mother overcame cancer and continued pursuing her goals. In fact, she attended Ross approximately fifteen years ago at the Flint campus. Watching her return to school, work hard, and build a career in healthcare inspired me tremendously. Her determination and compassion sparked my own interest in the medical field and showed me what was possible through hard work and dedication.
Looking back, I am grateful for every experience that helped shape me. The love of my family, the strength of my mother, the support of my stepfather, and my faith have all contributed to the person I am today.
What was it like growing up in Flint, Michigan?
I’ve lived in Flint my entire life, and I think sometimes people immediately associate Flint with the challenges and headlines they have seen over the years. While those challenges are real, Flint is so much more than that.
To me, Flint is where I learned resilience, strength, and the importance of family and community. Growing up, there were moments when I felt confused or hurt and wondered why my parents couldn’t do more or be more involved in certain ways. Looking back now with a different perspective, I understand that they were doing the very best they could with the resources they had emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that understanding changes everything. My mother and stepfather sacrificed so much for our family, and I can now appreciate their efforts in a way I couldn’t as a child.
One thing my mother always told me was that she wanted me to be better than her. Whenever I said I wanted to grow up and be just like her, she would tell me, “You can be like me, just be better.” That advice stayed with me. She also encouraged me to pursue a career that would always be needed, and healthcare was an obvious choice because of my desire to help others.
What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
My mother was truly my biggest inspiration.
When she attended Ross and began building her healthcare career, I became fascinated by what she was learning. I would read through her textbooks and study alongside her. Through those experiences, I began to understand the impact healthcare professionals have on the lives of others.
I’ve always known I had a passion for helping people. Watching my mother’s journey helped me realize both my purpose and my potential. It showed me that healthcare is about much more than medicine. It is about compassion, service, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
How did your educational journey at Ross begin?
I first enrolled at Ross in 2017. At the time, however, self-doubt and uncertainty prevented me from fully moving forward. I questioned whether I was capable and whether I could succeed.
Years later, with encouragement from my now-husband, I found the courage to try again. Following the passing of my stepfather, I re-enrolled in 2020 with a renewed sense of determination. I knew I wanted to finish what I had started.
The journey wasn’t easy. I enrolled in the Medical Assistant program, and during my studies, I became pregnant. Two weeks after giving birth, I returned to school because I was so close to achieving my goal. Many people thought I was crazy for returning so quickly, but I was determined not to give up.
In 2021, I graduated from the Medical Assistant program and proved to myself that perseverance can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
By that point, I had become a mother, and one of my greatest motivations was showing my children that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I wanted them to see that obstacles do not have to define their future.
After graduation, I completed my externship and was hired by the practice where I trained. I worked there for approximately three years before returning to Ross in 2024 to earn my Associate Degree in Medical Assisting. After graduating later that year, I once again returned to Ross in 2025 to pursue Pharmacy Technician training.
I wanted to broaden my understanding of healthcare and learn more about the medications I was administering to patients. The Pharmacy Technician program gave me an opportunity to explore another side of the medical field and continue growing professionally.
What challenges did you face while pursuing your education?
One of my biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt.
There were many moments when I questioned whether I could balance school, family responsibilities, and motherhood. My pregnancies were close together, and raising a growing family while pursuing my education often felt overwhelming.
Thankfully, my husband continuously encouraged me and helped me stay focused on my goals. Whenever I felt discouraged, he reminded me why I started and helped me find the confidence to keep moving forward.
Another major challenge came when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. We are extremely close, and seeing her go through that experience was heartbreaking. When she received her diagnosis in December, it completely disrupted my mindset. All I wanted to do was focus on caring for her.
However, she encouraged me to continue pursuing my education. She reminded me that I had worked too hard to stop now. Her support gave me the strength to keep going even during such a difficult time.
Thankfully, she is now in remission, and I am incredibly grateful for that.
Was there anyone at Ross who made a lasting impact on your experience?
Absolutely. Ms. Mickey was someone who made a tremendous impact on my journey.
From the very beginning, she became my go-to person whenever I had questions, concerns, or challenges. Whether I needed help understanding coursework, navigating difficulties, or simply needed encouragement, she was always there.
Throughout my pregnancies and educational journey, she consistently provided support and guidance. Having someone who genuinely cared about my success made a huge difference.
One thing I appreciate about Ross is that many instructors go beyond simply teaching. They become mentors, supporters, and advocates for their students. That kind of support system can make all the difference when you’re pursuing your goals.
Tell us about your externship experience.
I was definitely nervous when I started my externship.
Like many students, I worried about whether I would remember everything I had learned. I wondered if I would make mistakes or if I was truly prepared for the real-world environment.
Fortunately, the experience was phenomenal. I adapted quickly and found that Ross had prepared me well. By my third day, I was already performing many responsibilities independently and felt confident in my abilities.
The staff was impressed with how quickly I learned, which reinforced the value of everything I had studied during the program.
My advice to future students is simple. Focus on your coursework, read your textbooks, and truly engage with what you’re learning. The skills and knowledge you gain in class are directly applicable to what you’ll do in the field.
You have completed both the Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician programs. How have those experiences compared?
Both experiences have been incredibly valuable, but they have offered different perspectives on patient care.
I loved working as a Medical Assistant because it allowed me to interact directly with patients and build relationships through hands-on care. Being able to see patients face-to-face and assist them throughout their healthcare journey was very rewarding.
At the same time, I have really enjoyed learning the pharmacy side of healthcare. The Pharmacy Technician program has given me a deeper understanding of medications and how they impact patient care. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge and see another important side of the medical field.
While I enjoy pharmacy, I do miss the daily face-to-face interactions that came with being a Medical Assistant. Both roles play important parts in healthcare, and I am grateful to have experienced each one.
What are your future career goals?
My long-term goal is to become a Physician Assistant.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a career centered around caring for others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Becoming a Physician Assistant would allow me to continue serving patients while expanding my knowledge and responsibilities within healthcare.
Every step I’ve taken so far has brought me closer to that goal, and I’m excited about what the future holds.
What advice would you give to new Ross students?
Stay focused, be patient with yourself, and never be afraid to ask questions.
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, even when something feels challenging, unfamiliar, or overwhelming. Stay organized, manage your time wisely, and remember that growth comes through practice and experience.
Most importantly, don’t allow fear to stop you from pursuing your goals. Believe in yourself and trust the process.
As a mother of six, what are you most proud of?
Without question, I am most proud of seeing that I did it.
Completing my education while raising six children was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but it was also one of the most rewarding.
My children are my greatest motivation. My oldest daughter, who is ten years old, has already developed an interest in healthcare. She constantly asks questions about my work, the medical field, and the things I learn. She often tells me she wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
Watching her develop that passion reminds me why I worked so hard. If my journey shows my children that anything is possible through determination and hard work, then every challenge was worth it.
Looking back, what do you hope people take away from your story?
I hope people take away the importance of perseverance, faith, and believing in themselves.
My journey was not easy, but every challenge taught me something valuable and helped me become stronger. Setbacks do not define who you are. What truly matters is how you respond to them.
No matter where you come from, what obstacles you face, or how long it takes, you should never give up on your dreams. Keep moving forward, trust the process, and believe in your ability to create a better future.
Jasmine’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by where you start, but by the determination you show along the way. Through personal loss, family challenges, self-doubt, and the demands of raising six children, she continued pursuing her goals and building a future centered on helping others.
Inspired by her mother’s resilience and motivated by her children, Jasmine has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth while remaining committed to her dream of becoming a Physician Assistant. Her journey serves as an inspiring example for current and future students that with faith, perseverance, and a strong support system, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.