The journey to college graduation wasn’t an easy one for Skylar Jorgenson.
That’s why receiving her Associate of Science degree in health science in occupational therapy assistant from Newman University in May was an extra special occasion.
Jorgenson, a first-generation college student, didn’t initially think she had what it took to earn a college degree, but she put in the work and made it happen thanks, in part, to her great support system at Newman.
Jorgenson shared that she had a wonderful experience in the OTA program. Because she was part of the program’s final cohort, she developed close relationships with her four other classmates and faculty members including OTA instructor and academic fieldwork coordinator Melissa Smith, associate professor and director of OTA Nancy Dahlinger and adjunct professor Lori Bradley.
“Our teachers were so lovely and focused on us one-on-one,” she said. “I think after every single test, me and Nancy would go over it in her office and she would just let me sit as long as I could.”
What initially attracted Jorgenson to the OTA program was her desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
“I wanted to help them by improving disabilities or diseases, and this was a great career,” she said. “I knew right away when I read about it, it was for me.”
Shared Smith, “Skylar loves OT because it allows an individual to reach their full potential.”
Jorgenson was also drawn to the profession from personal experience, as she received OT services herself in a pediatric setting.
“I have something called amplified pain syndrome, which a lot of kids can get and is pretty much just like child fibromyalgia,” she explained. “I worked with OTs, and when I was in treatment, they were saying that this is something I could go to school for.”
Then Jorgenson’s mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This, coupled with her grandfather being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, confirmed her desire to become an OTA.
“I went into the program at Newman, and my mom was my biggest supporter throughout her whole diagnosis,” she said. “If I was having a bad day, she was right there, even though she had her own stuff going on. It was a very encouraging experience. It gets me teared up talking about it.”
Seeing her daughter receive a college degree made Jorgenson’s mother, Candace, feel extremely proud.
“You always hope your kids will turn out to be decent human beings, and she is, even despite all she’s been through with her health issues and helping me,” she said. “She’s just an amazing kid.”
Candace added, “I wanted to tell everybody how thankful I am for all the teachers at Newman who are giving her this opportunity.”
Looking to the future, Jorgenson plans to take continuing education for pelvic health and learn continually to be the best OTA professional she can be.
For her, receiving her OTA degree is just the start of a promising career.
“I get to do this day in and day out, and I love it,” she said. “I’m super excited.”
Find your degree fit at Newman University
At Newman, you’ll find people, programs, organizations and activities designed to empower you to earn your degree of difference and transform society for the better.
