
Back to School
Overcoming Obstacles and Striving for the Best – One Student’s Experience in the MA Program
![]() |
|
Ms. Donna Joseph | |
Plaza College student Donna Joseph is a medical assisting major in her 4th semester. After years of service to one company, Ms. Joseph was laid off – a stroke of bad luck that eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
Mrs. Kathleen D’Aprix, Director of the Library and Learning Resources Center, describes Ms. Joseph as “an extraordinary student, dedicated to bettering herself and helping her son to do the same. She is a shining example of what can result when you have clear goals and work hard to achieve them.”
Her interview with Seasons is below.
SEASONS: What brought you to Plaza?
JOSEPH: Honestly, I was in the hotel hospitality industry and due to a turnover with the company, I was let go after twenty years. My brother-in-law had attended Plaza College, and he told me, “Why don’t you try it?” So, I came down here to apply, and the people, the morale was just inspiring. Marcia in Admissions suggested I go into medical assisting.
SEASONS: How did you feel about returning to school?
JOSEPH: I am 43. I didn’t see myself going back to school. At my previous company, I began in an entry level position and moved my way up, so when I was let go, it was devastating. I didn’t expect that for the service I provided the company, but one door closes and another one opens. My goal was always to go back to school, and this became the perfect time and the perfect field for me.
SEASONS: You’re a full-time student, full-time mom, and a daughter. Tell me a little about your home-life responsibilities.
JOSEPH: My parents live with me. I am a home owner, and I am unemployed. After paying mortgage and my eight-year old son’s school tuition, the money does not go as far you would think. My father has dementia, and in 2000 my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It’s a lot to handle, and there are times that I get discouraged and frustrated. Sometimes my son needs my attention. Other times, my dad needs my attention; I have to watch him, and my mom, with Multiple Sclerosis, can’t take too much stress, so coming to school is my way of getting away. It’s relaxing. I enjoy learning new things, and then when I go home, it’s like ‘Here I go all over again.’
SEASONS: What do you do when you get overwhelmed?
JOSEPH: Focus. Get into the books. I just tune everyone out. It’s hard, though. If I’m out of school and it’s nice, I’ll go in the park where it’s quiet and clear my mind. Then, I’ll go over my notes from class.
SEASONS: How do you feel overall about your educational experience?
JOSEPH: I feel great. I’m really surprised with myself. My family’s support has kept me going. I need to strive, and I don’t want to fail.
SEASONS: Why is not failing so important to you – why does it mean so much to you?
JOSEPH: I have a son that depends on me. He’s my world. He’s my everything. So, if I fail, I’m failing him. Also, even though my parents are older, I would give them anything.
SEASONS: Last semester, you were determined to improve your writing and you made huge progress. Where does your determination come from?
JOSEPH: It comes from my mother. She’s a fighter. When she was diagnosed with M.S., they said that she was never going to walk again, that she was going to be in a wheelchair. She just said, “No, that’s just not me. I’m a fighter,” and that’s what she taught me – I’m a fighter.
SEASONS: What’s next for you?
JOSEPH: I want to go into radiology. I’m not sure if I will take a break or not, though. When you stop, you get too comfortable, so I would like to just keep going.