'GO FOR IT'
After 30 years at Baxter, McDowell Tech student is building her next career
McDowell Technical Community College student April Washburn (left) is finding another career after three decades at Baxter.
April Washburn, a McDowell Technical Community College health information technology student.
For more than three decades, April Washburn knew exactly where she'd be every workday. She'd lace up her steel-toe shoes, head into Baxter Healthcare, and spend the next 12 hours on her feet. It was steady work that helped her and her husband raise two children, put both of them through college, and build a life together. What she didn't expect was that, at 53 years old, she'd become the student.
"I had been thinking about coming back to school for the last two or three years," Washburn said. "Finally, I decided to make the leap."
Last August, she enrolled in McDowell Technical Community College's Health Information Technology program with a focus on medical billing and coding. She wanted to continue in another career that would keep her active and challenged after retirement.
"When I retire from Baxter, I don't want to just stay home," she said. "I wanted another career. I wanted something I'd enjoy."
The transition hasn't been easy. Washburn still works full time, often putting in 12-hour shifts before heading home to study, complete assignments and prepare for exams. In her typical workday, she walks between four and eight miles before ever opening a textbook. At home, she's still balancing family responsibilities while finding time to keep up with coursework.
Returning to the classroom after decades away brought its own challenges.
"There have been a lot of apologies," she said with a laugh, remembering the conversations she's had with her children, who both earned college degrees before she did. "I didn't realize everything they dealt with while they were in school."
Washburn credits her family for encouraging her through the difficult moments, but she also points to the faculty at McDowell Tech for creating an environment where she felt comfortable asking questions and growing through challenges. Program Director Judy Butner, along with instructors and staff like Jessi Huskins, Roxie Johnson and Heather Buchanan, each played a role in helping her build confidence throughout the program. Washburn said Butner challenged her to think differently and encouraged her to keep pushing through difficult concepts instead of becoming discouraged.
"I appreciate your strong work ethic and your determination to never give up when faced with challenges," Butner said. "Keep asking the hard questions, stay curious, and never lose that drive. Those qualities will continue to take you far."
After receiving a disappointing score on an exam she felt confident about, Washburn met with Butner expecting to learn what she had done wrong. Instead, she discovered her thinking was solid and says that conversation reminded her that success isn't always measured by one grade and that asking questions is part of becoming a stronger student.
Along the way, she found herself enjoying the work. Learning medical terminology, coding and the business side of healthcare gave her a new perspective on a system she'd interacted with her entire life as a patient. She enjoys knowing that the work she's preparing to do helps patients understand insurance, medical records and the details that often make healthcare feel confusing.
"Being Tech Tough does not mean the journey is easy, as April well knows," said J.W. Kelley, president of McDowell Technical Community College. "She is Tech Tough because, despite the challenges of life and the classroom, she keeps learning, keeps growing, and keeps dreaming of a better future."
As she works toward completing her certificate, Washburn has earned a 3.8 GPA while continuing to work full time, something she admits she never imagined she'd accomplish after being away from the classroom for so many years. Looking back, she has one piece of advice:
"Bet on yourself," she said. "If you want to pursue it, go for it. Nobody's in your way but you. You are your greatest asset."
