At just 26 years old, Adrienne Patterson has carved a remarkable path filled with courage, determination, and a deep desire to help others. A recent graduate of Ross Education’s Medical Assistant program and honored guest speaker at the April commencement ceremony, Adrienne shares her powerful story of overcoming anxiety, finding purpose in healthcare, and inspiring her peers with her resilience and leadership.
She shared her story with us – here’s what she had to say:
Can you share a bit about your background and upbringing, and what inspired you to enroll in the Medical Assistant program?
Absolutely! Thanks for having me. So, I’m 26 years old, and I was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. I’m the oldest of four siblings, which meant I took on a lot of responsibility from a pretty young age. Being the eldest, I often had to help with my younger brothers and sisters, which taught me patience, care, and a sense of nurturing early on. Growing up, I was always drawn to taking care of others, whether that was babysitting or simply being there for friends when they needed someone to talk to. It felt like a natural inclination, a part of who I was.
But despite this, my own journey wasn’t straightforward. I struggled a lot with anxiety throughout my late teens and early twenties, and that made it hard to imagine going back to school or starting a new career. It was intimidating to think about being in a classroom again, learning new skills, and putting myself out there. I wasn’t sure if I had the strength or the focus to make it work. The thought of failing was paralyzing. But eventually, I found out about Ross Education’s Medical Assistant program. What really pulled me in was the hands-on nature of the training – it wasn’t just theory, it was practical, real-world skills that I could use immediately to help people. That direct application gave me a sense of purpose and direction, and I decided to take the leap. It felt like the right path, despite my fears.
How did your family respond to your decision to return to school?
My family was so supportive. At first, I think they were a little surprised. I’d talked about going back to school for a while, but hadn’t made the leap until Ross. But once they saw how serious I was, they backed me 100%. My mom especially was a big motivator. She’s always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. My siblings were proud too, and that meant the world to me. Knowing they were rooting for me gave me strength on the tough days.
Was there a particular moment when you realized you were on the right path?
Yes, one moment stands out. A patient came into the clinic clearly anxious, and I could tell they were uncomfortable. I sat with them for a moment, chatted lightly, and helped guide them through the process. Afterward, they thanked me for making them feel seen and safe. That hit me hard. I realized then that I didn’t just want to be clinically competent. I wanted to be emotionally present. That moment confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be.
That’s truly inspiring. You mentioned experiencing anxiety – could you share how it impacted you both during school and in your everyday life? How have you been able to manage it?
Anxiety has been one of my biggest challenges, but also, strangely, one of my greatest teachers. I was diagnosed around 2020, and honestly, at first it felt like this huge, suffocating barrier. There were days when I couldn’t even get out of bed because my mind was racing with all these “what if” thoughts – what if I fail, what if people judge me, what if I can’t keep up? That kind of fear can be paralyzing. It was an isolating experience, making even simple tasks feel monumental.
But over time, I realized that anxiety doesn’t have to define me or limit me. Instead, I learned to understand it and work with it. I started practicing mindfulness, simple breathing exercises, journaling, breaking tasks down into tiny steps so they felt less overwhelming. I also sought support from counselors and trusted friends who reminded me I wasn’t alone. In school, these strategies were vital. When tests or presentations came up, I used deep breathing to calm my nerves. I reminded myself, “I’ve prepared. I can do this.” That mental shift made a huge difference. It wasn’t about eliminating the anxiety entirely, but learning to function with it.
It’s still a work in progress. Some days are harder than others but I’ve grown so much. Anxiety taught me empathy, resilience, and how to ask for help when I need it, which I think will make me a better healthcare provider one day. I understand what it feels like to struggle, and that understanding will allow me to connect with patients on a deeper level.
Thank you for sharing that – it’s really brave and honest. Let’s talk about your study habits. What study techniques did you find most helpful during your Medical Assistant program?
I’m definitely someone who needs structure and quiet to study well. I made it a point to create a calm, distraction-free environment. That usually meant setting up at a kitchen table or a quiet corner in the house with no phone or social media distractions. Eliminating those external disruptions was key for me to truly focus.
I’m a big believer in repetition, so I’d re-read chapters multiple times. The first time to get the gist, the second to highlight, and the third to take notes. Making detailed notes helped me process and retain information better. When instructors gave us study guides, those were my roadmap – I’d use them to focus my reading and highlight the most important concepts. But when they didn’t provide guides, I’d make my own, which forced me to really understand the material instead of just memorizing. This active creation of study materials really solidified my understanding.
Flashcards were useful too, especially digital ones on Quizlet, because I could study on the go – in the car, during breaks, or while waiting. But I found that personalized study guides helped me the most, because I’d tailor them to areas I felt less confident in. I’d also form small study groups with classmates for tricky subjects, which was helpful because we could quiz each other and share tips, learning from each other’s strengths.
Balancing online classes with hands-on externship was challenging, so I had to be disciplined about scheduling study time every day, even when I was tired or stressed. That routine kept me on track and prevented me from falling behind. Consistency was absolutely crucial.
What was your externship like? Did it prepare you well for real-world work?
The externship was an eye-opener in the best way. I was placed in a busy internal medicine clinic, and it was the first time I really got to apply everything I’d learned. From checking patients in, to taking vitals, assisting with procedures – it was fast-paced and hands-on. At first, I was nervous I’d mess up or forget something, but the staff were incredibly supportive and encouraging. By the end, I felt much more confident and even got great feedback from the team. It made me feel like, “Okay, I can actually do this. I belong here.”
Did you have any favorite subjects or parts of the program that stood out to you?
Absolutely – phlebotomy was one of my favorite parts. I know it can make some people squeamish, but I actually found it fascinating. It was hands-on, technical, and required focus, which I enjoyed. Drawing blood is such a precise skill, and I loved the idea that something I was learning in class could immediately be used to help patients in real life. It made everything feel more real. I also enjoyed the medical terminology section – it was like learning a new language, and once it clicked, I felt empowered, like I could finally understand what doctors and nurses were talking about.
How did your classmates and instructors support you throughout the program? Did you find a sense of community?
Oh yes, definitely. The class size was perfect, there were about 20 students in the night classes, so we really got to know each other well. That made it easier to ask questions and admit when I was struggling without feeling judged. Some classmates became close friends, we would text study reminders, share notes, and encourage each other before exams. It felt like we were all in it together, cheering each other on.
Our instructors were amazing. They were patient, understanding, and always ready to help. They genuinely wanted us to succeed. One moment that really sticks out was when an instructor couldn’t make it to a class, and I was asked to teach a segment based on what we’d learned. Public speaking usually terrifies me, but I saw it as a challenge, an opportunity to push myself. I practiced, prepared, and did my best. Afterward, the assistant instructor came up to me and said she was proud of me for stepping up. That moment made me realize I had more courage than I thought, and it really boosted my confidence. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me.
Having that kind of community where we all lifted each other up, made a huge difference. I think that’s one of the best parts of the program. It was a space where vulnerability was accepted and growth was celebrated.
You gave the commencement speech at graduation – how did that come about, and what was the experience like?
It was very last minute! My instructor called me after I finished my externship and said, “We need someone to give the speech – would you be willing?” My immediate reaction was panic because public speaking causes me major anxiety. But I also thought, “Well, this is a challenge I can’t pass up.” So I said yes, even though I was terrified. There was this internal battle, but the desire to push past my comfort zone won out.
I gave myself a few days to prepare the speech. My goal was to motivate my classmates and be authentic about the struggles we all faced, especially with mental health. I talked about how anxiety and fear can hold us back, but also how we can overcome those challenges with the right mindset and support. I wanted everyone to feel seen – to know they aren’t alone in their struggles. It was important to me that my message resonated with their own experiences.
On the day of the speech, I was shaking so badly I kept asking friends if they noticed. I was sweating and so nervous I felt like I might faint. But once I started speaking, something shifted. I focused on my message and the people in the room, and that gave me strength. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. To stand there, despite the fear, and deliver a message I truly believed in, was incredibly empowering.
That’s incredible. What were some key messages or reflections you included in your speech?
I emphasized that success isn’t about being perfect or never feeling fear. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. I shared how each of us has our own battles, whether it’s anxiety, family challenges, or self-doubt, but what unites us is our perseverance. We all pushed through significant obstacles to get to that graduation stage.
I also talked about the importance of community and asking for help. It’s easy to feel isolated, especially when struggling silently, but we’re stronger when we support each other. We built that community in our program, and I wanted to remind them to carry that forward. Lastly, I reminded everyone to celebrate their achievements, graduating is no small feat, and we should be proud. It’s vital to acknowledge how far you’ve come.
How did graduating and speaking at commencement affect you afterward?
Graduation felt like a huge milestone, like closing one chapter and opening another. It gave me confidence that I can tackle my fears and succeed. Speaking in front of everyone showed me that my voice matters, and that I can inspire others even while managing my own struggles. It solidified my belief in myself.
Since then, I’ve been focusing on finishing my associate’s degree online and preparing to take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. I’m excited about starting my career and giving back to my community through healthcare. The feeling of being able to contribute meaningfully is a powerful motivator.
You mentioned you’ve been balancing school and personal growth. What are some of your goals for the future, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, I want to become a certified Registered Medical Assistant and work in a clinic or hospital where I can continue learning and helping patients. I’m interested in gaining experience in different areas to see what fits best, whether it’s pediatrics, internal medicine, or something else. I’m eager to find my niche.
Personally, I’ve thought about mentoring future students at Ross. I believe in the power of encouragement, and I want to be that person who helps others find their confidence and path, just as I found mine. Right now, I’m also working on overcoming my own anxieties about re-entering the workforce consistently, which is a big step, but I’m taking it one day at a time.
Another big dream I have is writing a book about anxiety. But I don’t want it to be just another self-help book. I want it to be engaging and relatable, something that grabs people’s attention and makes them feel understood. I want to encourage people to talk openly about mental health and seek support. I think humor and honesty will be key elements because life is tough, but laughter helps heal. It’s about demystifying mental health and making it approachable.
What surprised you most about going back to school?
Honestly? How much I enjoyed it. I was so worried I wouldn’t fit in or would feel overwhelmed, but I ended up loving the structure, the learning, the growth. I surprised myself. I had this idea in my head that school was going to be rigid and stressful, but instead, it became a place of transformation. I learned so much about myself in the process. I think we underestimate our ability to rise to new challenges until we’re right in the middle of them.
What do you think makes a great Medical Assistant?
A great medical assistant needs to be compassionate, detail-oriented, and adaptable. You’re often the first and last person a patient sees, so your attitude sets the tone. It’s not just about checking boxes, it’s about truly caring. Listening, being patient, knowing how to comfort someone who’s nervous or in pain. And you have to be a quick learner because every day brings something new. I think what makes someone great is when they combine skill with heart.
Did you ever doubt yourself? How did you work through it?
All the time. Doubt was like a shadow that followed me, especially early on. I questioned whether I was smart enough, strong enough, stable enough to finish the program. There were moments where I almost talked myself out of continuing. But I learned to combat doubt with action. Even on bad days, I kept showing up, doing the work, and proving to myself that I could. Little by little, those wins added up and slowly rewired my thinking. I began to believe in myself again.
That sounds amazing! What advice would you give to someone struggling with anxiety or self-doubt?
I’d say be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time. Celebrate even the smallest wins because progress isn’t always a straight line. It’s okay to have setbacks. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, whether friends, family, or professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Seeking support is a courageous act.
Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. Your struggles don’t define you, and you have the power to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard. There’s a community out there ready to support you.
What has this journey taught you about yourself?
This journey taught me that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was. That I can face fear, anxiety, and setbacks, and still move forward. It taught me the value of community, and that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Most of all, it taught me that I have a voice, and that my experiences, even the painful ones, can be used to help others. That’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.
Is there a quote or mantra you live by that helped you during your journey?
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” That quote really carried me through. Fear is such a natural part of growth, but if you let it rule you, you’ll stay stuck. I repeated that line to myself before big tests, before externship, and definitely before giving my speech at graduation. It’s a reminder that fear doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re doing something brave.
How do you want people to remember you?
I want to be remembered as someone who cared deeply and showed up, even when it was scary. Someone who was honest about her struggles and used them to grow and inspire others. I want my story to remind people that it’s okay to be imperfect. What matters is that you keep going and make a positive impact in whatever way you can. If my journey can help just one person feel less alone, then I’ll have achieved something truly meaningful.
What advice would you give to your younger self, looking back now?
I’d tell her to breathe, to trust the process, and to stop being so afraid of making mistakes. I’d remind her that failure isn’t the end, it’s just a step toward something better. I’d tell her she’s going to do amazing things, even if she can’t see it yet. Most importantly, I’d tell her she’s enough. Just as she is. And she always will be.
Adrienne Patterson’s story reflects true courage and resilience. Her journey through anxiety, education, and self-discovery is both inspiring and hopeful for anyone facing personal challenges. With compassion and a clear sense of purpose, Adrienne is ready to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond, shining her light no matter what comes her way.