Before deciding to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist, Robert D. worked as a fitness manager at Crunch. His role allowed him to support people in their health and wellness journeys, but his true passion for health care was ignited by personal tragedy.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Robert lost several family members, including his aunt, grandmother, and father, in the same year. These devastating losses became the catalyst for his career shift.
"As they were all hooked up to a ventilator, I had no idea what was going on, and no one could really explain it very well to us," he shared. “I hope that one day I could be not only a patient advocate but a family advocate as well, be able to explain to them exactly what's going on, so they have no doubt in their mind that they're in the hands of a trusted and competent respiratory therapist."
Robert’s search for the right educational path eventually led him to American Career College-Ontario. After exploring options, it was ACC-Ontario’s transparent and supportive approach that made the difference.
"ACC stood out to me because not only did they reach out to me the quickest, but they guided me in a way that allowed me to know everything I was doing and what I should prepare for," he said. "They're very transparent about the whole program, and I'm very happy I made this choice."
Despite not being in school for more than a decade, Robert diligently embraced the challenges of returning to education. As the first in his family to pursue a college degree, he is not only breaking new ground for himself but also honoring his late grandfather, who instilled in him a deep respect for education.
"I never knew or believed that I had it in me,” he shared. “I think throughout this program, I've learned that I can overcome any obstacle that I set my mind to, and it's just about being persistent with it and just staying organized.”
