Ekema Lydie, My name is Ekema Lydie, I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) student at Trinity Washington University. My journey at Trinity began while I was completing my prerequisites for the OTA program during my pregnancy. Shortly before officially starting the OTA program, I welcomed my second child, and from that moment, life became a balancing act between motherhood, academics, and family responsibilities. While attending school full-time, I was also caring for my two children and helping care for my aging parents. There were many moments when the responsibilities felt overwhelming, but the support I received from professors, classmates, family, and the Trinity community gave me the strength to continue moving forward. Trinity is a place where people genuinely support you when you are open about the challenges you are facing. As a mother, I was provided accommodations that allowed me to manage my nursing responsibilities while remaining focused and engaged in class. Even during moments of exhaustion and stress, I continued to receive encouragement that reminded me I was capable of succeeding.

Today, I am proud and grateful to say that I am graduating. This journey has taught me perseverance, resilience, patience, and the importance of community support. I am deeply thankful to my family, classmates, professors, and the entire Trinity community for helping me reach this milestone. As I prepare to begin my career as an OTA, I hope to use my experiences to encourage and support others who may feel overwhelmed by life’s responsibilities while pursuing their education. I want others to know that even when life becomes difficult, it is still possible to achieve your goals. If I was able to continue my education while balancing motherhood, caring for family, and managing school responsibilities, then others can do it too. As long as you have the determination to keep going and are willing to seek support when needed, there will always be a way forward.