‘When One Door Closes, Another Opens’
WITH DEGREE FROM BERKELEY COLLEGE, NEW YORK CITY EMT BEGINS NEW CAREER AS SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Diana Jordan was an Emergency Medical Technician with the Fire Department of New York City, when an injury left her unable to continue her career.
“I was broken-hearted to close that chapter of my life,” said Ms. Jordan, a resident of Lodi, NJ. “I loved being an EMT and working for the City of New York. But I always knew that when one door closes, another one opens.”
The next door for Ms. Jordan opened at Berkeley College, where she enrolled in the Surgical Technology program in the School of Health Studies. She received an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology diploma from Berkeley College during the Commencement ceremony on May 10, 2019, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
As a certified Surgical Technologist, Ms. Jordan was hired by Hackensack University Medical Center. Her resume then captured the interest of New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center – a dream job.
“I worked hard to get where I am,” Ms. Jordan said. “Hard work pays off. Success is loving what you do, giving it 100 percent, and never giving up. No matter how many times you fall, always get back up stronger.”
Ms. Jordan was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, and her achievements have been recognized with Dean’s List honors. She was inspired by Berkeley College professors who imparted their professional experience and passion for helping others.
“My professors shared their skills and knowledge, sacrificing time out of their lives to make sure I got where I needed to be,” she said.
Amanda Carrasco, Clinical Coordinator, Surgical Technology and Surgical Processing Technician programs, Berkeley College School of Health Studies, said Ms. Jordan has the traits needed to excel in the healthcare field.
“Diana came into my class ready to do what she needed to be successful,” Ms. Carrasco said. “She has a very bright future as a Surgical Technologist. Her professionalism, kindness and big heart will get her far in this career.”
Ms. Jordan also received support from the Office of Career Services, which helped her refine her resume and prepare for interviews. She said that preparation paid off, as she prepares to begin her new position at New York-Presbyterian this month.
Ms. Jordan hopes to set a positive example for her three daughters – one of whom also is pursuing a degree in healthcare.
“It makes me proud that I am an inspiration to her and others,” Ms. Jordan said. “Students should always dream big and keep moving forward. There are always more doors to open.”
Photo Caption: (Above) Berkeley College student Diana Jordan, a former Emergency Medical Technician with the Fire Department of New York City, embraces her new career as a certified Surgical Technologist with Hackensack University Medical Center. Ms. Jordan will begin a position with New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in May.
