“I love what I do!” Datril Anderson beamed.
Datril Anderson is recently married and a mother of two sons, and has worked in healthcare for the past 25 years. Currently, Datril works in the transplant department at Houston Methodist, but before that, she had her heart set on becoming a nurse. At 50 years old, during the height of the pandemic, Datril made a life-changing decision to go to college.
After completing her associate’s degree at Houston Community College, Datril was eager to continue working toward a nursing degree. “My sister told me, ‘You’ve got to do this and become a nurse,’” she recalled.
Datril began looking into different nursing programs and found ACU Online. She filled out a form for more information and received a phone call from her admissions advisor.
“My admissions advisor is my inspiration for attending ACU Online,” Datril said. During that first phone call, she learned about the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program.
Hard Work, Support and Determination
Datril soon began pursuing her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. “The program was nothing short of amazing,” she said. “The coursework was very innovative.”
While earning her degree, Datril underwent two major surgeries, which required her to recover at home. “My student success advisor and admissions advisor were helping me communicate with teachers and even with groceries. I’m so grateful to have them tag-teaming on my behalf,” Datril explained. Beyond academics, Datril was especially grateful for ACU Online’s Christian values, which inspired her to finish her bachelor’s degree, helped her build lasting friendships that lasted beyond graduation, and provided support whenever she needed it.
“ACU Online’s Christian values set them apart from other colleges,” Datril shared.
Datril’s Journey Has Just Begun
Today, Datril is focused on growth and giving back. She voiced that she always felt called to help others, and that’s what led her to healthcare. She continued to express how attending ACU Online has amplified that calling.
“I’ve been meeting with my director of transplant to talk about mentoring, moving higher within the transplant department and completing my master’s degree,” she said. She hopes to use what she has learned from ACU to uplift others. “I want to help people get into the position that I am in now.”
Datril is currently pursuing her Master’s in Healthcare Administration with ACU Online. She expressed wanting to absorb all the information, teachings and training from her coursework to apply to future roles.
Faith Over Fear
College is not always an easy decision, especially for those with families or health conditions. Datril credits her success to ACU Online and God. “I was so happy that God put it in my heart to do this.” Datril again expressed the importance of ACU Online’s support and coursework during a time when she needed it the most.
“Faith over fear,” Datril said, was the greatest piece of advice should could give any student worried about failure. For Datril, her story is one of perseverance, faith, and the calling to serve others. Her journey at ACU Online started with one phone call, but it will continue to open doors for her professionally and spiritually.
If you’ve been interested in a healthcare career or are looking for a career change, visit our website or call us at 855-219-7300. We have multiple undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are career-driven and designed to give students the skills and tools needed to succeed and make an impact.
