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At Swedish Institute, it’s our mission to educate students to become skilled, ethical, culturally competent, and compassionate massage therapists, nurses, and allied health professionals serving the diverse communities of the Greater New York Metropolitan Area. Our students’ dedication and determination always amazes us, particularly when faced with unexpected obstacles and challenges. We share their stories to inspire and motivate other current and prospective students who may feel uncertain or overwhelmed at times. This month’s featured student is Samantha Hawkins from our Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant program.

Meet Samantha Hawkins

Samantha, 24 years old, was born and raised in the Bronx, where she lives with her fiancée and two daughters (ages 2 and 6 months). Samantha lost her job in March due to COVID. Although she was 5 months pregnant then, she decided to enroll in college at Swedish Institute. Samantha wanted to achieve her goal of working in a hospital and having a stable career. She enrolled in our medical assistant program.

“I have always wanted to help people and felt being in the medical field was the best way to do that,” explains Samantha. “I had applied to Swedish Institute at the beginning of 2020 and was going to start going to school in April, but then I found out I was pregnant with my second child and felt discouraged. Something in me thought I couldn’t handle school, work, and a new baby. In March, when we shut down, I lost my job due to COVID.  

It upset me because not only did I back out of school, but I was also jobless. I fell into a dark place until one day, I said to myself, ‘I’m never going to achieve anything or provide for my family by moping around. ‘That’s when I decided to start school, even though I knew it would be difficult because this is something I had put off for too long.

Juggling Student Life and Family

Unemployed, heavily pregnant, and knowing she was scheduled to be induced two days after the start of the summer quarter, Samantha still started classes in the spring as she had initially planned.

“Samantha captured my attention when I first saw her in July 2020,” explains Dr. Sharmalan Sathiyaseelan, Program Director for the Clinical and Medical Administrative Assistant program. “While in class she mentioned that she was almost full-term pregnant with her second baby. Then, just a few days later, while we were in the middle of the quarter, she logged into class holding a baby and calmly mentioned she just delivered the day before!  She was so focused on classes and completing the program that she didn’t take any time off post-natal.”

Samantha explained that juggling student life while unemployed and caring for her family has been challenging. However, she was determined to overcome obstacles and become a medical assistant.

“It has been a challenge to go to school and raise two kids. There were times when I felt like giving up and times when I felt overwhelmed. I’ve had sleepless nights due to caring for a newborn. Although I was exhausted, I still pushed myself to get up and attend my morning classes.”

Achieving Academic Excellence

Last month, CityMD hired Samantha as a patient care representative at the beginning of the holiday season. Dr. Sathiyaseelan adjusted her class schedule, allowing her to work during the day to support her family while attending classes in the evening. Samantha began her winter quarter classes and will graduate from Swedish Institute next April.

“Despite the hardship, she has maintained impressive academic results these last two quarters,” says Dr. Sathiyaseelan. I believe that with this type of determination, she can achieve her goals to further her education in the medical field. Swedish Institute is preparing her to achieve her goals!”

Samantha concludes, “I am truly grateful that I am a student at Swedish Institute. It’s given me the ability to have courage and to believe in myself and the things I am capable of. I am going to continue to push myself to graduate and become a Certified Medical Assistant.”

Want to be our next student spotlight? Consider a career as a medical assistant, nurse, or other health-related career. Swedish Institute can help you get started. Contact us today to learn more.