In my role, I’ve talked to many alumni who were looking for a second chance at higher education. ECPI University graduate Natasha Wall found hers and turned it into a career that she loves.
In March 2025, Natasha earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting, an achievement that marked a new chapter in her life.
Natasha is a mother of four, and like many student parents, her path took a few unexpected turns before she was ready to begin again. Going back to school took a lot of time and patience, but it started with taking a chance.
A Dream Deferred
Before she began her new journey, Natasha described her career as “flopping from job to job.” She spent time in a remote role and later McDonald’s, but she didn’t have a clear path ahead of her. “I didn’t have any career goals set in stone,” she said.
Years earlier, Natasha had attended a four-year university right after she got out of high school. She wasn’t ready for it at the time and left during her sophomore year when life responsibilities took over. The experience taught her that a four-year structure wasn't the right fit for her.
With four kids to raise, Natasha had to shift her focus to her family. Still, she never forgot her goal of earning a degree: ”I always knew I wanted to go back.”
Her children were the reason she ultimately decided to return to school. She wanted a stable career that would provide a steady home for them.
Natasha at home with her four children
Finding an Education That Fits
One day, Natasha made a spontaneous decision. She had heard positive things about ECPI for years and finally decided to see for herself. She looked up the website, filled out a questionnaire, and was soon on campus for an interview with the admissions representative. “I didn’t even think about it,” she recalled. “I just jumped two feet in.”
Drawing on her experience in housekeeping, rehab facilities, and nursing homes, Natasha knew she wanted a career helping people in a healthcare setting. That’s what led her to pursue a degree in medical assisting.
What got Natasha excited about the medical assisting program was the fast-paced, 15-month format. It made it easier for her to see the finish line. “You’re only focusing on two classes for five weeks at a time,” she said. “That makes it much more manageable.”
The Balancing Act
As a busy parent, Natasha had to find the right balance between her responsibilities at home, on the job, and in class. She recognized from the start that it was “never going to be easy,” but she was determined to make it work.
Natasha had a lot to juggle, but the flexible school hours made it easier to stay consistent. Every morning, she dropped off her kids at school, drove to the Raleigh campus, and was in her seat ten minutes before class started. Even with such a tight schedule, she rarely ever missed a class.
Despite her busy schedule, Natasha still made sure that she was involved in her kids’ activities. She helped them with their homework before doing her own and made it a point to attend all their extracurriculars and field trips.
Her kids were not only her reason for re-enrolling, but also what kept her going: “I wanted them to understand why I was doing it.”
A Network of Strength and Support
Natasha remembered feeling nervous on her first day in class, not knowing anyone or what to expect. “It’s kind of like your first day of kindergarten,” she said. But once she realized that everyone was there for the same purpose, she started to feel at ease. It wasn’t long before Natasha began building the relationships that would support her through the program.
About three months in, she met a group of classmates she instantly clicked with. They shared life stories and experiences and leaned on each other when classes got tough. The program's structure kept the cohort together through most of their classes, which helped them stay connected and supportive. Even to this day, they maintain the group chat that they started at the beginning of the program.
Natasha also spoke about the strong support she received from one of her instructors, Na’Shea Merritt, who taught many of her classes. “Ms. Merritt pushed us past our limits,” Natasha shared. “But she was tough because she knew that we would make great medical assistants.”
Ms. Merritt focused on preparing her students to step directly into the healthcare field. Natasha knew how much Ms. Merritt cared about their success and worked hard to meet those expectations. When it came time for graduation, they took a photo together to celebrate how far they’d come.
Instructor Na’Shea Merritt and Natasha celebrate together at graduation
Turning Care into Career
After graduating, Natasha worked at Boice-Willis Clinic, a large healthcare practice with more than 300 staff members. She had the chance to engage with different specialties as a float medical assistant. Though she gained valuable experience, she wanted a more defined work structure.
That’s what led Natasha to her current role as a medical assistant at Wilson Digestive Diseases Center, a smaller practice that treats patients with gastrointestinal illnesses. There, she regularly performs rooming duties, helping patients prepare for their appointments by taking vitals, reviewing medications, and recording health information.
Natasha in her scrubs at work as a medical assistant
Natasha came into her role feeling confident and well-prepared. She credits Ms. Merritt’s rigorous teaching and the hands-on learning she received during the program, including a five-week externship. On her first day, she felt ready rather than nervous.
What Natasha is most proud of, though, is setting an example for her kids by showing them that she never gave up. When they attended her graduation, they were as excited as she was.
Reflecting on her journey, Natasha says that the experience left her with one clear lesson: “No matter how old you are, you’re never too old to go back to school.”
About the Author: Sarah Campo
Sarah Campo is the Director of Alumni Engagement at ECPI University. She is passionate about sharing graduate stories, celebrating their achievements, and building meaningful connections that continue beyond graduation.