Joanly Ortiz Ocasio’s story is filled with triumphs and struggles, beginning in Puerto Rico. Growing up in the countryside, Ortiz Ocasio often hiked to and from school, as that was the only way to get there. Before moving to the United States eighteen years ago, she knew very little English, but she took a chance to follow her dream of becoming a paramedic.
“My English isn’t 100% perfect, being that it’s my second language, but now I feel more comfortable,” Ortiz Ocasio said. “Being Hispanic makes you work harder. You need to prove to yourself and others that you are capable enough to do what they do. When I found out I got a scholarship to Rowan College at Burlington County, the first thing that crossed my mind was ‘Why me?’. And then I looked back and remembered all my struggles, from coming to a country and leaving my family behind (just me and my kids here), to learning the language and going back to school knowing just the basics in English. Earning the scholarship made me realize that dreams are possible and also that now I have a bigger responsibility to myself and future generations, that if I'm able to do it, they will also.”
Ortiz Ocasio chose RCBC because it offers a paramedic science degree and certificate, a career path she fell in love with. She earned the Rebecca Scott Memorial Scholarship for students enrolled in the Virtua Paramedic Science program. The scholarship honors RCBC alumna Becky Scott, who was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer at the age of 27, and went through numerous rounds of chemotherapy, clinical trials and harsh treatments, all while continuing to work full-time as a paramedic. RCBC’s paramedic science program prepares students to become nationally-registered paramedics through a combination of classroom instruction with high-fidelity laboratory simulation and clinical experiences.
“It is a drive for me, as I live in Howell, but when you want something, distance doesn’t matter,” Ortiz Ocasio said. “One of the things that made me feel comfortable even when I didn't know that I was going to be in the program was the day of my skills assessment. That day I was so nervous, as it’s not easy to be tested while people watch every little thing you do. The professors made me feel at ease. They noticed how nervous I was, and they told me to take my time, take some deep breaths and enjoy the experience.”
Joanly’s personal motto is “the day you stop learning is the day you stop living.” She often repeats this phrase to her kids and fosters an ongoing thirst for knowledge.
“Finishing the paramedic program and getting certified is my immediate goal,” Ortiz Ocasio shared. “I know it won't be easy, but I also know it is possible. I know myself, and I won't stop there. I would love to earn my bachelor's degree in emergency management. I also wouldn’t discount the possibility of continuing on to earn my master’s; the options are endless. My kids see me as their role model, and that is another reason for me to keep going.”
When she’s not busy studying or spending time with her kids, Ortiz Ocasio enjoys boxing, working out, lifting and hiking. But, most of all, she enjoys making others happy.
“I love singing and laughing, but more than that, I love making people smile, even in their most vulnerable moments. When they share that smile back to me, it makes me feel closer to them.”
To learn more about RCBC’s paramedic science programs, visit rcbc.edu/paramedic.