MCC grad show how persistence pays
Ask Dana Naylor and she’ll agree: Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
By day, Naylor is a healthcare professional and a single mom of two juggling life’s daily responsibilities. By night, for the past two years, she was a Meridian Community College student logging on to her Medical Office Technology Program classes.
Naylor knew that investing in herself would be an asset for her future and her efforts are paying off as she will earn her associate of applied science degree from MCC.
She will be among the 100 graduates who will receive their diplomas and certificates when the College hosts its commencement on Friday, Aug. 1. The ceremony is to begin at 11 a.m. in the Graham Gymnasium on the MCC campus.
A 41-year-old Meridian native, Naylor serves as a patient access supervisor at Ochsner Rush Health. She chose MCC because it had what she needed. “It was within reach and it offered a program that would allow me to take online classes from the comfort of my home,” she said. Working in the health care field for two decades, Naylor knew she wanted to continue in this career arena.
She said the support from a close friend to MCC staffers and instructors, made all of the difference. “There have been many times I wanted to give up, but the motivation and support have been remarkable.”
Andy relying on her faith, Naylor added, “The Lord gets all the credit for this.”
She also thanks Medical Office Program Instructor Denay Farrer and her MCC Advisor Deborah Nettles. “They have been nothing short of amazing.”
With this milestone behind her, Naylor is looking to the future; she plans to further her education at Mississippi State University-Meridian and study in the social work program, hoping to become a case manager. Naylor’s also inspiring the next generation; her daughter is set to begin the same MCC program in this fall.
Her advice to others in finding their wings: “You can do this. Stay focused and positive, even when times are tough.”
For more information about Meridian Community College, visit meridiancc.edu.