After moving to Michigan in 2018, Justice's life changed dramatically following the loss of her husband in a car accident while she was pregnant with their daughter. As a single mother raising two children, returning to college was not a part of the original plan. But through Michigan Reconnect, Delta offered an opportunity to build a new future.
Initially, Justice thought sonography was the right fit. That changed after exploring Delta's Respiratory Therapy program, meeting faculty and job shadowing at local hospitals.
"I was never an honor roll student, so I kept asking, 'what would it have been like if I had pushed myself all the way? What am I capable of?'" she said. "That was a huge motivator for me."
After years away from the classroom, she earned top grades while balancing full-time coursework, clinical rotations, work and raising her family. Along the way, professors helped connect her with resources; classmates became a close-knit support system and student leadership gave her another way to grow.
All the while, in the hospital she discovered what drew her to respiratory therapy, caring for patients during some of life's most vulnerable moments.
"I've learned so many things about working with patients," Justice said. "I think the biggest thing is that you have to treat every patient like they were your family, and I definitely try to do that when I go in into any of their rooms."
As graduation approaches, Justice is looking forward to beginning her new career while creating a better future for her and her children. She hopes her story encourages others who may be going through a difficult time or are questioning whether it's too late to start over.
"Take the opportunity while it presents itself. You may meet some amazing people, you could end up being really proud of your accomplishments through it," she said. "Just don't be afraid to try, especially to try your best."
By Mikaila Bluew, writer & editor
