Many Ross Medical Education Center students know that it takes courage to do the hard work of school while balancing family and work on top of it. One Dental Assistant student in Portage, Lydia McGrone, has proven that she can do whatever she sets her mind to. When Lydia first started at Ross, it presented a lot of challenges for her. At the time, she was working third shift at the post office. She knew she could not change anything about her schedule because she was dependent on that income in order to pay her bills. Unfortunately, that left very little free time, or even time to sleep. In fact, Lydia would come to the campus straight from work and would wait in the parking lot for the doors to open.
In addition to her hectic schedule, she also is the sole caretaker for her ill mother and is responsible for providing for her. This cut down even more on free time or a chance to rest. However, even with the less than ideal circumstances, she still showed up every day with a smile on her face for every person with which she came into contact. Not only that, she was ready and excited to learn. In the classroom and outside of it, Lydia was always willing to help others and improve their experience.
The most incredible part was she she was able to be the incredible student, classmate, daugher, and person that she is all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout her program. Dental Assistant Instructor, Shellie Shaw, said of her, “Lydia is very motivated and has shown that endurance, service, and diligence in life will take you far.” Everyone from the Portage campus is so proud of the Dental Assistant and person that Lydia is and they are thankful for having been a part of her life.