Future Medicine Woman!

Working with Native American tribes .

by Michele Hammerton
Edited by: Jo Ann M. Whiteman,
Program Coordinator

It is such a great feeling of accomplishment to be in this final semester at UCF.  I have learned so much, not only about the subject matters pertaining to teaching, but also about writing in different formats like APA and MLA. In retrospect, the time has flown by, as usual, and another page is turning.

What really made me return to school is two-fold.  First of all, I have always wanted to have that piece of paper, the degree.  It’s always been in the back of my mind to ‘finish’ school, not that I really think I’ll ever be finished with school.  As I write this I am involved with the courses to finish this degree, but have already enrolled in an online medical program to become a missionary doctor and a Medicine Woman with the Native American tribes.  The second reason for returning to school was the ease of the online format and the fact that I earned 30 credit hours through my massage therapy license and courses taken pertaining to my area of specialization.  Who in their right mind would let that slip away? 

My current job or jobs, I should say, are: property manager, aroma-therapist, massage therapist, student, intern, mother and homemaker.  I keep very busy and multi-tasking has become a way of life.  I do enjoy getting away to Jamaica though whenever possible.  When I do, I prefer to just sit, look at the view, and do nothing.  That lasts for about two days and then I want to do something, so I start thinking about how I can help people as I enjoy the view.

I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to start the medical program had it not been for the experience with online learning through the University of Central Florida.  I found out about the Technical Education & Industry Training program from Ms. Haynes, my massage therapy instructor who also went through this program.  I am so glad that she told me about it and now I find myself telling others too.

Probably one of the most interesting aspects of this program is the diversity of students who come together in the online community.  We come from all walks of life with many different backgrounds and professions.  There is no way that I could ever be bored with this format of learning.  Because of this experience, someday I will be saving lives and improving the status of health amongst the less fortunate.  While I am learning how to do this, I will be teaching massage therapy.