Dixie Keane graduated from the Medical Assistant program at the Ross Medical Education Center Saginaw campus. Her instructor, Julie McIntosh, said of her, “on the first day of class, a middle-age woman walked in with a smile on her face that lit up the classroom. I immediately knew she was going to be a great asset to the class. I did not know at the time how this student would forever change my life, not only as an instructor, but personally as well.” As the module went on, Julie heard a student say that Dixie was homeless. She waited until after class to speak with Dixie to find out more of her story. It was then that she discovered that she had been living out of her car even though she still came to class every day with a smile on her face.
As Julie got to know Dixie, she began to learn more about her. She had faced a variety of abuse, many times from the people she thought she could trust. Even though her life had been one trial after another, she always managed to work hard and stay upbeat. Additionally, she suffers from bipolar disorder, and due to this condition, she ended up in the hospital for six days during her time at Ross. When she returned to class, she was ready to continue learning and made up all the homework and tests that she had missed. She went on to pass the MOD with flying colors.
In addition to inspiring her instructors and the staff, Dixie was an inspiration to other students. She was always willing to help her classmates when they were in need. Julie still uses Dixie‘s story for many of her new students to demonstrate that no matter what life throws at you, you can keep moving forward. You cannot change the past, but you can change your own future.
Dixie graduated May 19th of this year from the Medical Assistant program and was hired two weeks later by the office of Dr. Gary Brooks in Saginaw. As a full-time medical assistant in the office, she loves what she does and goes out of her way daily to inspire and encourage her coworkers and patients.