Inspired by tragedy, MSU student earns degree at age 35
Amanda “Mandy” Story didn’t always plan to go into the respiratory care field. Years ago growing up in Millsap, Texas, she would not have believed she’d be part of the Fall 2022 Midwestern State University graduating class at 35.
The journey she completed to reach the stage Saturday at Kay Yeager Coliseum made her graduation celebration even more rewarding.
Her interest in respiratory care began in 2012. It was a painful but powerful experience. Her sister gave birth at 24 weeks with the baby weighing just one pound and 5.5 ounces. She lived just six days. “I got to see her the day before she passed, and she was so tiny, but was trying to fight so hard,” Story said. “I had met and spoken with a respiratory therapist working that day, and it piqued my interest. I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field; I just wasn’t 100 percent sure what it was until then.”
A few months later, she applied for Radiologic Technology program at Weatherford College. While at WC, she heard excellent testimonials about the MSU Texas Respiratory Care program. “I knew a few colleagues who have obtained their BSRC through MSU, and they recommended it,” Story said.
Story only took online courses at MSU Texas. She said the benefits were not having to drive while taking the necessary courses. The online program was perfect for her.
“Being a full-time hospital employee, a full-time mom to three kids and a wife - being able to take my time and take a few classes at a time online helped tremendously,” Story said.
She plans to continue her hospital career after graduation but envisions that she could become a flight RT (respiratory therapist) in the future.
“I absolutely love bedside care, but you never know what opportunities may come around,” Story said. “Graduating at 35 years old with three kids means a lot to me. It showed me I was able to do it.
“I struggled when I was younger, not knowing what I wanted to do in life, and then I became a single mom right before I started school back in 2012 for my associates (degree). Eight years later, I'm married with more children, and working a full-time job, and graduating with my bachelor's. It will also show my kids that they can do anything they put their minds to, no matter how hard it is.”
Story didn’t know what to expect on her education journey, but she says she learned more than she had envisioned. Her advice for students is to “be open-minded, take your time if you can, study and let everything soak in.”
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Inspired by tragedy, MSU student earns degree at age 35
