By Shakeya Simpson, Medical Assisting Student, GSSTI
Balancing school and motherhood is never easy, but balancing both while raising two beautiful daughters with special needs has taught me more than any textbook ever could.
My name is Shakeya Simpson, and I’m currently a medical assistant student at Garden State Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), with a focus on phlebotomy and EKG. Every day, I wake up driven by the desire to build a better life, not just for myself, but for the two miracles who call me Mom.
Returning to school wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I had doubts: “Will I be able to keep up? How will I juggle appointments, therapies, and life pulling me in every direction?” There were moments of exhaustion, tears, and deep self-doubt. I’ve studied in my car between appointments, stayed up late while my daughters slept, and made flashcards using my textbooks to quiz myself in waiting rooms. It wasn’t always pretty, but I never stopped pushing forward.
Elsevier’s tools made a real difference in my journey. One of the biggest game changers has been their adaptive learning tools, especially the online modules in Kinn’s The Medical Assistant (15th edition by Brigitte Niedzwiecki and Julie Pepper). The clear layout, review questions, and real-life scenarios helped me understand not just the how, but the why behind medical procedures. These tools helped me study smarter, not harder.
I didn’t have time to reread chapters over and over, so being able to target exactly what I needed through Elsevier’s tools made a huge difference. It let me focus my energy wisely, on both my studies and my daughters.
I also leaned heavily on The Language of Medicine (13th edition by Davi-Ellen Chabner). It helped me decode medical terminology in a way that finally made sense, building my confidence both in class and in clinical settings. The Kinn’s Study Guide and Procedure Checklist Manual also kept me focused and accountable while practicing hands-on skills.
These books weren’t just part of my coursework. They became part of my routine. I made flashcards, practiced vocabulary out loud, and even read chapters to my daughters to keep studying while still being present with them. These tools empowered me with clarity and consistency during some of my most chaotic seasons.
What I’ve learned doesn’t stay in the classroom. It flows into my everyday life. Understanding vital signs means I can advocate for my daughters more confidently. Learning about infection control gave me peace of mind during hospital visits. Every lesson became a life skill. That’s not just education, it’s empowerment.
To any student juggling life and learning, I see you. Whether you’re working nights, raising kids, or just trying to believe in yourself again, know your journey matters. And platforms like Elsevier make that journey feel a little more manageable, a little less overwhelming.
My dream is to open an inclusive wellness space where families like mine can feel seen, supported, and safe. Becoming a certified medical assistant is just the beginning. I’m doing it with coffee-fueled nights, deep breaths, and answered prayers.
If you’re wondering if you can do this too, the answer is yes. One step at a time. One prayer at a time. And with the right tools, support, and heart, you’ll get there.
— Shakeya Simpson
Medical Assisting Student, GSSTI
