On September 18, 2020, Medical Assisting graduate, Tawnya Sutter, walked across the stage to accept her Occupational Associate of Applied Business in Medical Assisting Degree from East Ohio College. In early October, she accepted her dream job as a medical assistant with Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver, PA. “I am thrilled and excited to start this new chapter in my life. I am not worried because I know that I am ready with the great education that I received from East Ohio.” With her training and skills, Tawnya looks forward to “continuing to grow and learn in my new role as a medical assistant and making a positive impact in my patients’ lives.”
Prior to starting her college career with East Ohio, Ms. Sutter was a stay-at-home mother working as a PRN STNA. She was patiently waiting for her fiancé to finish school so that it could be her turn. Eventually, that time came and she started by attending the Community College of Beaver County. “My experience was definitely not good. It was a large campus with big classes. It was very intimidating and the professors did not care about students’ academics at all. There you either pass or you fail. I remember I was young, pregnant, and scared and knew that that particular program was not for me…” Tawnya knew she needed something different.
One of Tawnya’s close friends, Catherine Witt, was a medical assisting student at East Ohio and had many great things to say about the school, faculty, and staff. “She told me about the school and how small the classes were and how great the teachers are. What sold me, however, was when I watched Mrs. Kristen Scott stop and have a conversation with Catherine. I could not believe that an instructor actually took the time outside of class to stop and have a discussion with one of her students. I was sold!” After speaking with Admissions Advisor, Donna, Tawnya chose the Associate Degree in Medical Assisting program because she recognized that “…it truly was the fastest way for me to get into the workforce without having to complete two years of school to earn an associate degree in the medical field. Also, I know it may sound cliché, but I truly do love to help people and try to make them feel better.” Medical assisting was the obvious choice for her to pursue her career goals and passion.
“While at East Ohio, I enjoyed the feeling of belonging. It is truly a family atmosphere. I loved that it is a family at East Ohio and the instructors truly care about your success. Although college did require me to put in the work, I have never attended a school that I had every single teacher’s phone number and that they were only a phone call or text away if I had any questions. I can honestly say that every single instructor has impacted me academically and personally. I will start with Mr. Clutter. I enjoyed his English Composition class most. He challenged me on a personal level. I will never forget a writing assignment where I wrote about why black history needs to be taught in schools year round. I am grateful for his support and encouragement throughout. I loved Mrs. Hedrick’s Medical Terminology classes, especially the review games! It was always a fun time and she challenged us and helped us become better studiers. I am so grateful for Ms. Poynter and her Medical Law and Ethics class. I especially loved the mock trial we did. My job as a defense attorney was tough but a great learning experience. I also learned a great deal in Mr. Ream’s classes. Thanks to him, I can finally run PowerPoint and Word with ease. I am very grateful for Mrs. Martin and her meticulousness in helping us draft flawless resumes in Career Prep and her tireless commitment to her students and their future careers. I learned a great deal in Career Prep that helped me job search and interview. I am also grateful for her dedication to the community. Participating in the Stockings For Soldiers fundraising event is one of my most cherished memories at East Ohio. Mrs. Scott, words cannot express what a saint she is. I am thankful for her dedication to her job and students. I loved her cute little quizzes, even if they are tough! I am thankful for everyone pushing me to do my best. Donna was amazing as well as the rest of the faculty and staff. Everyone at East Ohio has a smile to offer and truly cares about their students.”
When asked if she would refer East Ohio to a friend, Mrs. Sutter states, “Yes! The staff cares about you and you receive a quality education that prepares you well for your chosen career. Good luck to all the current and future students. You’ve got this!” Now that she is a graduate, Tawnya leaves a legacy on campus and within the hearts of many of the East Ohio family.
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