Veteran in Medical Assistant Program Realizes You’re Never Too Old

Mary Roth comes from a long line of military veterans, including several uncles, her grandfather, several cousins, two sisters and two sons. In her fourth semester of the Medical Assistant program, she hopes to use her Blackhawk education to work at Janesville’s VA clinic to be able to help those that served, like those in her family.

Growing up on a dairy farm between Edgerton and Janesville, Mary graduated from Edgerton High School in 1978 before serving in the U.S. Air Force until 1985 as an Aircraft Fuel Systems Mechanic. She worked on several aircraft, including the A-10 and F-11.

Mary chose Blackhawk, and the Medical Assistant program in particular, because it enabled her to complete her studies in a short amount of time. In her time here, she has been supported and helped.

“Everyone from Lacy at the front desk to my advisor to my instructors has been very supportive and helpful,” she said. “They are always willing to help and always have words of encouragement.”

One of Mary’s instructors, Tara Zachgo, believes Mary’s perspectives from her background and generational differences benefit the other students.

“She is a hard worker, and enjoys helping others and learning new skills,” Tara said. “She is an asset to the class because she can share many life experiences related to the topics discussed.”

Mary has also learned in her time in college that you are never too old to learn a new skill. Being out of school for 43 years when she first enrolled, she faced a lot of challenges including learning new materials and navigating the computer.

Luckily, she had some help.

“Thank God for my 16-year-old grandson who was willing the help his grandmother with homework that first semester for a free breakfast,” she said.

Planning to graduate in May 2023, Mary hopes that other veterans considering Blackhawk just jump in and trust themselves after they decide what they want to do with their life after their service.

Veterans Day is observed on Friday, Nov. 11. It is a day to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day, the holiday was first issued on November 11, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson a year after the end of World War I.