Going back to school can be scary! You may worry that you won’t be able to keep up with the younger students, or the thought of juggling adult responsibilities with homework may seem overwhelming.
And while it may take some time to adjust to being back in the classroom, going back to school presents you with many wonderful opportunities. In addition to increasing your earning potential, you also have the chance to finally find yourself in a career that you really love.
Are you considering going back to school but worried about taking the leap? Hear from MedQuest student Kristen Eben to see why she decided to go back to school and how that decision has turned out.
Before she started at MedQuest, Kristen was a personal banker in Missouri. Now, she’s part of the first cohort of MedQuest’s new Dental Hygiene Program.
What made you decide to go back to school?
I’ve always wanted to be a dental hygienist. I love teeth. I know a lot of people don’t really enjoy going to the dentist, but it’s actually something that I found comfort in when I was a kid.
I went to a school in Springfield, Missouri, and I earned my associate degree in early childhood education and my bachelor’s in intercultural communication. Then I did two years of my master’s in Biblical counseling. But I had this longing to be a dental hygienist, and I just hoped and prayed that this opportunity would come around.
At that point, I was working as a personal banker, and we had a bunch of dentists and dental hygienists that worked with us who often encouraged me and put those positive thoughts into my mind, like, ‘Wow, this is what I want to do with my life.’
What made you choose MedQuest?
I knew I wanted to come to MedQuest because all the friends that I had who came here had a positive experience. I know that a lot of students may want to go to a bigger university, but I think you have a great advantage going to a smaller college. You have that one-on-one relationship with your professors, and I think that’s vital. It’s really helped my education and my time here.
How did you feel going back to school?
When I came back to school, I was nervous about what people were going to think, and I was nervous about how I was going to afford this and how I was going to keep up. When you haven’t been in school for several years and you go back, it’s a big lifestyle change. It’s harder mentally to get back in the rhythm of studying and going to classes.
How has your experience been going back to school?
The program has been going great! I think one of my favorite things about being a student here at MedQuest is feeling connected and the sense of belonging and community.
I also really like that my professors challenge us. They’re always telling us this is going to be something you need to know for your board exams, and this is going to be something you need to know for the future.
What would you tell someone who is considering going back to school?
I wanted to be a dental hygienist for many years, and that was put on the table for a little bit. But having people in my life that spoke truth and spoke kind words about me encouraged me to really chase my dreams. If this is something that you want to do, pursue it; chase after it!
MedQuest College
MedQuest College offers six programs to help students start a career in medicine. They include practical nursing, dental assisting, dental hygiene, medical assisting, sonography and veterinary technology. Are you ready to start your career in health care? Click to request more information or to sign up for a tour.