Tiffany Hughes’ journey to success at GateWay Community College is a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one's passions. As a current student studying Health Services Management, Hughes’ path to higher education has been anything but conventional. It has been driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to create a better future for herself and her family.
Before beginning her educational journey at GateWay, Hughes’ life took a different course. Like many young adults, she ventured away from home to pursue her educational dreams. Hughes recalls her attempt at college after high school, which ended prematurely due to homesickness and financial strain. However, fate had a silver lining as she found love online, meeting her now-husband just before returning home.
Despite starting a family and embracing motherhood, Hughes couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. She still desired to earn her degree and set an example for her three daughters. Determined to turn her dreams into reality, Hughes decided to return to school, juggling the responsibilities of full-time work, full-time studies, and motherhood.
Choosing GateWay wasn't a random decision for Hughes. She meticulously researched her options, seeking a college that offered healthcare courses focusing on management. GateWay stood out among the choices, not only for its academic offerings but also for the supportive environment it promised. Walking onto the campus, Hughes felt an instant connection, solidifying her decision to make GateWay her educational home.
Despite being an online student, she's felt deeply connected to the campus community, participating in events and engaging with instructors and fellow students. She shares, “I was so nervous about going back to school and wondering how I’d adapt to being a student again, but GateWay has had my back the entire time and I have always felt like I had someone to go to if I needed anything or had a question.”
For Hughes, the decision to pursue Health Services Management wasn't just about career prospects; it was about aligning her passion for helping others with a structured and dynamic career in healthcare administration. Currently working for Cranial Technologies, Hughes finds fulfillment in knowing that her work contributes to making a difference in the lives of patients every day.
Balancing the demands of work, school, and family hasn't been easy for Hughes. Yet, she's met every challenge head-on, mastering the art of organization and self-care to ensure she stays on track. “It’s easy to become overwhelmed if you let it. I organize my entire month, week, and day down to hours if I need to so that I have enough time to spend with my family, work, and school,” said Hughes. “I don’t want my kids to feel neglected but the same goes for school so I try hard to not let myself feel overwhelmed and stay positive.”
As Hughes looks to the future, her goals extend beyond personal achievement. While she aims to climb the ranks within Cranial Technologies and contribute to its success, her greatest aspirations revolve around her family. Being a devoted mother and wife remains her top priority, and she cherishes every moment spent with her loved ones.
Being selected as a member of the All-Arizona Academic Team is more than just an honor for Hughes; it's a validation of her hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment. It reaffirms her decision to return to school and signals the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. With her eyes set on continuing her education at Arizona State University, Hughes is poised to make her mark on the world, armed with determination, passion, and a profound sense of purpose.