Becoming a student is a major event in one’s life, regardless of what stage of life that person may be in. Whether a person is a first-time college student or a seasoned higher education veteran, starting a new school has the possibility to be an exhilarating experience. Many students experience negative events during their first attempt at higher education, which may steer them away from pursuing college ever again. Some students take this adversity and use it to fuel their drive for success. Michele Crespo is one fantastic example of the latter type of student.
Michele graduated high school in 2007, where she, much like many high school students, had a big decision to make about the rest of her life. “Right after I graduated high school in 2007, I was made to choose some type of schooling for myself. Because my grades in high school were never very good, my parents strongly encouraged me to attend a trade school instead of any type of campus atmosphere school. After ending up choosing to go to a cosmetology program, I was not truly passionate about the field of study that I had chosen.”
Facing a new life and planning for the future with her growing family in mind, Michele set out to restart her college career. A new concern that Michele had not expected to encounter was also making headlines across the world – the COVID-19 pandemic. Michele was not sure where to begin the process, especially with the pandemic raging. “After the pandemic started and my son’s school closed down, I had to make a decision.” Michele details that WVJC stood out to her in a sea of many colleges. “…the one that really stood out to me was WJVC, just for the fact that when I was doing all of my research for any information, it was right there and answered all the questions I had. When I requested more information, I was contacted by some of the kindest and most encouraging people I had ever met in my life. Even though I was terrified to take this next step in my life and my biggest obstacle was getting out of my own head and just taking the leap, it was when I spoke to Dasia with her kind and encouraging attitude and words that made me know this was the school I wanted to attend.”
Michele is now enrolled in WVJC’s Clinical Medical Assistant program. During her admissions process, Michele maintained how she wanted to help others. “I chose my program because I very much dislike going to the doctors, just like most do. My favorite part of attending this school is the access to help anytime I need it. Being 32 and back in school is difficult enough, but with the advances with computers since I have been in school, you now have to learn that, as well. The amazing tech support center and teachers are available as often as I need them. This helps me to know I can get my work done and make sure it is done correctly.”
After graduation, Michele has a goal to become that bright positivity that one feels when they walk into a medical visit. “My ideal job after graduation is to work at a pediatrician’s office so that I can make the children that come into that office look forward to coming back and not dread it. Being a mom, I know what it is like when your child has a bad experience at a doctor’s office, so I want to hopefully make sure that won’t happen wherever I work. I would like to be working in a doctor’s office of some type, with benefits, and hopefully have some kind of retirement set up for myself and my husband.”
We are overjoyed to see Michele’s progression, as well as her growth as she moves toward her goals in life! If your story sounds similar to Michele’s or you would like to know more about WVJC’s Clinical Medical Assistant program, request information here!