Inspired by her grandmother’s educational success, Jaycee enrolled in Mountain Empire Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program. Now following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Jaycee plans to graduate in the fall and continue the legacy of saving lives.
Read more about her journey below.
Have you always wanted to go into respiratory therapy?
I didn’t. I originally wanted to be a nurse, but then I started the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and shortly realized it wasn’t for me.
What has surprised you about the Respiratory Therapy program and what do you love most about it?
The biggest surprise and what I love most is how needed you are in critical moments. You are right in there when it gets bad. That’s when your patients and fellow coworkers really need you.
Can you tell us about when you found out that you were eligible for G3 and how it has helped you?
Coming from a low-income family, finding out I was eligible for G3 funding was exciting because now I don’t have to worry about taking on a large tuition bill or student debt. I babysit outside of school, but the funding has made it so I don’t have to look for a more demanding job.
Your grandmother also did the Respiratory Therapy program at MECC. Has she given you any advice as you’ve gone through it?
My grandmother has been my rock through the whole program. When I’ve gotten down on myself, she’s been right there to uplift me and give me plenty of advice.
What advice can you give to anyone considering respiratory therapy or MECC?
The number one thing I could say is that you are going to make friends, and you’re going to meet instructors and professors who are going to help you make it through. They will cheer you on if you fall, and that gives you something to look forward to.
What has college meant for you? Does it change anything in your life?
The MECC Respiratory Therapy program has changed my life for the better. Once I graduate this fall, I know I can get a respiratory therapy job. My life will be set.
