My name is Amanda Okenqusit.  I graduated high school in 2001 and I decided to take a break and get a job because I was not ready for College. It was always my intention to go back to school. After working in retail for many years, I knew I needed to do something different. I always loved to help people and my mom suggested that I go and get my CNA certificate. I did really well in that program, and proceeded to get a job in a nursing home. My mom always told me that she wanted me to go back to school and get a degree; I always told her that I would, but life got in the way.

My mom got diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I went to PA to take care of her for the last month of her life. I saw her go from this strong willed women to someone that could barley move because of the pain. My mom looked at me and said, "Amanda you are a very smart women. You know as well as I do that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to." All I want to see is you go back to school so you can get a degree and be the best you can be. You can help so many more people with a degree."

After my mom passed away, I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in the medical field. I immediately registered in the BOT: Medical Option at Tunxis. In the beginning I thought that I was in over my head and I couldn't do it. With all the fantastic Professors at Tunxis, I quickly gained confidence and surprised myself by not only making the dean's list, but also being inducted into PHI THETA KAPPA. I never thought I could finish, but here I am at the end of my associate's degree journey.I know my mom is smiling down on me and very proud.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela