Being a first-generation college graduate at 35 while working a full-time job and raising five children is something Christa Simms once never believed she would be able to say. Her path to a healthcare career did not start in a quiet classroom or with a simple application. Instead, it began in broken places, shaped by life-altering challenges that tested her spirit, her patience, and her conviction.
Today, Christa is a graduate of both the Medical Assistant program and an Associate’s Degree program, but the road to that achievement was paved with a refusal to give up. From facing the weight of past mistakes and incarceration to navigating the sudden loss of her father, Christa has spent years learning how to rise.
We sat down with Christa to discuss her incredible story, the role faith played in her success, and how she managed to balance a growing family with the demands of school.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Christa Simms, and I’m a mother who is deeply motivated by my children, my faith, and my desire to build a better future. Family means everything to me, and a lot of the decisions I make are centered around creating stability and setting a good example for my kids. My faith in God has carried me through many difficult seasons in my life and reminded me to keep going even when things felt overwhelming.
Attending Ross was a big step for me because I wanted to create a meaningful career while also proving to myself that I was capable of more. I wanted to show my five children that your starting point doesn’t have to be your finish line. Being a first-generation graduate means I am breaking cycles for my family, and that is a responsibility I take very seriously.
You mentioned facing significant challenges before attending Ross. Can you share more about that?
I have faced many challenges leading up to attending school, including having a criminal background and losing my father on Christmas morning in 2019. Those experiences were some of the hardest moments of my life. There were times I felt completely overwhelmed and unsure of my future. I carried the weight of guilt and shame, and for a while, I questioned if I would ever become anything more than my worst mistakes.
When I felt like I had nothing left, I leaned into my faith like never before. I prayed for strength when I felt weak and for direction when I felt lost. Slowly, I began to understand that my past may be part of my story, but it does not define my future. Losing my dad was a pain that doesn’t just go away, but it became a quiet fire inside of me. I wanted to make him proud, and that kept me going through every hard day and every moment I felt like giving up. I carry his memory with me in everything I do.
Did you face any challenges when you first started at Ross?
Yes, absolutely. Starting school while balancing motherhood, finances, stress, and personal responsibilities was not easy. There were days when I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted and questioned whether I could handle everything at once. I was working a full-time job and raising five kids while trying to rebuild relationships and heal from the past.
There were nights I stayed up finishing assignments when my body was begging for rest, and mornings I woke up already feeling overwhelmed. During those moments, my faith in God helped me stay grounded. I prayed often and reminded myself that every challenge had a purpose. Instead of giving up, I kept showing up and pushing forward because I knew I was working toward something bigger for myself and my family. I had to learn how to manage my time strictly, but more importantly, I had to learn how to forgive myself on the days when things didn’t go perfectly.
Were there any memorable moments during your time at Ross
One of the most memorable parts of this experience was realizing how much I grew in confidence throughout the program. In the beginning, I doubted myself a lot, but over time, I started seeing how capable I really was. I also built meaningful friendships and connections with people who supported and encouraged me along the way.
Completing difficult assignments, learning hands-on skills, and seeing my hard work pay off were moments I’ll always remember. Looking back, I truly believe God placed the right people and opportunities in my life at the right time. The hands-on experience in the lab was especially rewarding because it made the career feel real and attainable. It wasn’t just about the books; it was about proving I could do the work in a clinical setting.
How did you secure your externship and what was that experience like?
I stayed committed to learning, worked hard, and tried to stay professional throughout the program. My externship gave me real-world experience and helped me grow both personally and professionally. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but it also gave me confidence in my abilities. It was the bridge between being a student and becoming a professional in the healthcare field. It allowed me to take everything I learned in the classroom and apply it to helping real patients, which was an incredible feeling. That transition from the classroom to the doctor’s office is where everything finally clicked for me.
What are your goals now that you have graduated?
My future goals are to continue growing in the healthcare field, gain more experience, and build a stable and meaningful future for my children and myself. I was actually blessed with a job opportunity through a friend I met at Ross, who referred me to her workplace. That experience reminded me how important relationships, networking, and perseverance are.
I truly feel like God opened doors for me at the right time. I want to continue learning and becoming more confident in my career. Most importantly, I want my children to see that with faith, hard work, and determination, you can overcome difficult situations and still accomplish your goals. I want to be a light for others who might be struggling through similar paths and show them that there is life after hardship.
Have you faced any challenges outside of school that shaped who you are today?
Yes. Life outside of school has come with many personal struggles that have shaped me. Balancing motherhood, emotional stress, financial pressure, and difficult life situations forced me to become stronger. There were moments when I felt broken down emotionally, especially while trying to restore bonds with my older children and navigating the grief of losing my father. Those experiences taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of trusting the process even when life feels uncertain. I learned that healing isn’t linear, but as long as you keep moving, you are making progress. Today, the bond I have with my children is stronger than ever, and I don’t take that for granted.
What was the most important lesson you learned while studying at Ross?
I learned that resilience is a muscle you have to build. Beyond just the medical knowledge, I learned how to be professional even when my personal life was heavy. I learned that I have a voice and that my experiences, even the painful ones, give me a unique level of empathy that I can use to help patients. In healthcare, patients are often going through their own “broken places,” and I realized that I can connect with them because I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed.
How did you manage your time with five children and a full-time job?
It took a lot of prayer and a lot of discipline. I had to be intentional with every minute. Sometimes that meant studying during my lunch breaks at work or reading my notes while the kids were doing their homework. There were days I felt like I was running on empty, but I looked at my children and remembered why I started. I wanted them to see their mother working for a better life so they would know it’s possible for them too. My soulmate was also a huge support, standing beside me and reminding me that I was worthy of this path.
What was it like being a first-generation graduate at age 35?
It was emotional. For a long time, I thought that window had closed for me. Being “first-generation” means I’m the first in my family to achieve this, and doing it at 35 proves that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. Age is just a number, and your past is just a chapter, not the whole book. Walking across that stage was a victory not just for me, but for my entire family and for everyone who thought they had run out of time.
What advice would you give to new students or anyone starting a new career?
I would tell them not to give up on themselves. It’s okay to feel nervous or overwhelmed in the beginning because growth is uncomfortable sometimes. Stay focused on your reason for starting, ask for help when you need it, and remember that progress takes time. Lean on your support system and keep faith in yourself and in God during difficult moments.
Even when things feel hard, keep showing up because your hard work will eventually pay off. Don’t let your past or your current struggles convince you that you aren’t worthy of success. You have to be your own biggest advocate sometimes, and you have to believe in your potential even when the road looks long.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is continuing to move forward despite everything life has thrown at me. I’m proud that I stayed committed to my education, became stronger through my struggles, and kept pushing forward for my children and myself. Finishing school, completing my externship, and receiving a job opportunity afterward made me realize how far I’ve come.
Most of all, I’m proud that I never lost my faith during the difficult seasons of my life. Being a 35 year old, first-generation graduate is a milestone I will always cherish. It represents more than just a degree; it represents a complete transformation of my life.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with my children and family. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones at home, laughing together, relaxing, or making memories. I also enjoy quiet moments where I can reflect, pray, and recharge mentally and emotionally. My family and my faith are what keep me grounded. After such a busy season of balancing work and school, I truly value the time I get to just be present with the people I love without the weight of assignments hanging over me.
Looking back, what do you hope people take away from your story?
I hope people take away that strength doesn’t always look perfect. Sometimes strength is simply waking up every day and continuing to try even when life feels difficult. I want people to see that no matter what obstacles you face, you can still grow, heal, and create a better future for yourself. I also hope my story reminds people that faith and determination can carry you through even the hardest seasons of life.
I am living proof that you can fall, you can fail, and you can lose your way, but you can still come back and rebuild. The verse “Talitha koum” means “Little girl, I say to you, arise,” and that is exactly what I had to do. I had to rise out of my past and into my future. No matter where you are right now, you can rise too.