Jakiara Willis had to pause her education when she was 19 years old to take care of her mother who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease
Now, at 30, she promised both her mother and grandmother to continue her education.
Willis is one of about 900 students at Pasco-Hernando State College expected to be eligible for graduation this semester. She’ll receive her career certificate in phlebotomy on May 8 on the college’s West Campus in New Port Richey.
“PHSC made it worth it,” Willis said. “My professor, Ms. Crystal, and my classmates were all amazing. The class dynamic was so helpful, with everyone sharing their ideas and points of view.”
Willis ultimately chose to re-engage her education journey, starting with phlebotomy, because she wanted to walk in her grandmother’s footsteps, who made a career in phlebotomy.
Her education and career goals don’t end there. She plans to continue her education to become a medical lab scientist, working on developing a cure and treatment plan for Crohn’s disease.
“I’m a child of a parent who’s struggling, seeing my own mother go through this has given me a resolve to give back and help. I dedicate my experiences and goals to my mother, and if there’s even just one person I can help, it makes a difference,” Willis said.
She is still weighing her options about what’s next and is determined to make progress in her field.
