MCCer Lolita O’Neal overcomes challenges to chart new career path
“MCC has helped me find my wings and more.”
That’s how Meridian Community College Medical Office Management Technology Program student Lolita O’Neal summed up her college experience. O’Neal, who will receive her associate of applied science degree and career and technical certificates from the program during graduation ceremonies on May 10, is 56 years old and the mom of four children and grandmom of 18.
“I love MCC. I really do want to continue my education because MCC has awakened me. I have learned so much,” she said. “My knowledge is back.”
Coming to college wasn’t easy; O’Neal explained she was at home and had been out of work since 2015. “I got diagnosed with a chronic illness, and so it kept me down. But coming back to school brought a lot of stuff back into me. It woke me up about learning and all the new technology that I didn’t know,” she said.
The Meridian resident credits MCC instructors and staff for helping with everything from classwork to navigating class scheduling and more, and the efforts have paid off; she’s been named to the academic honors list - twice.
In her career and technical education program, O’Neal said she gets excited about billing and coding and sees how they connect with many things.
“And so now, all this education and all the training and learning I’ve gone through has motivated me to continue,” she said, so she’s set her sights on receiving her bachelor’s degree in coding. “I want to get a job first. I’ll probably take a break for a moment, and I want to pick up,” O’Neal said.
Her journey through the Medical Office Management Technology Program has equipped her with practical skills in billing and coding, renewed confidence, and a clear vision for her future.
Visit meridiancc.edu/programs to learn more.