Honor Society® member
Justine Wristen
- healthcare administration
- Class of 2028
- Pearl, Mississippi
Member since September 2025
About
Balancing life as a single mother and a medical professional has shaped me into someone who understands resilience not as a choice, but as a daily practice. My days begin before the sun rises and often end long after it sets, yet each moment—whether at my child’s bedside or a patient’s—reminds me why I continue to push forward. I am building a life defined not by circumstance, but by determination.
Working in the medical field has taught me that care is both a skill and a calling. I have learned to stay calm in emergencies, to listen deeply, and to advocate fiercely for those who cannot advocate for themselves. These same qualities guide me as a mother. When I come home after a long shift, I shift into another role—homework helper, emotional anchor, provider, and protector. The transition is not always seamless, but it is always meaningful.
There have been moments when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming: juggling childcare with unpredictable schedules, studying late into the night to advance my career, or navigating financial challenges alone. But each obstacle has strengthened my resolve. I want my child to grow up seeing that perseverance is powerful, that dreams are worth pursuing, and that challenges do not define us—they refine us.
My journey in the medical field is more than a career path; it is a commitment to growth, service, and stability. I am driven by the desire to create a better future for my family and to contribute to a profession that changes lives every day. Being a single mother has not limited my ambition—it has fueled it. It has taught me to work harder, think deeper, and care more fully.
I stand today as someone who has learned to navigate two demanding worlds with strength and purpose. My story is not one of struggle alone, but of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering belief that I can build the life I envision—for myself and for my child.
Education
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Ashworth College
healthcare management
2025 – Present
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PennFoster College
medical office administration
2022 – 2024
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
- Graduate school interests
My interest in pursuing graduate studies in Healthcare Management comes from years of firsthand experience in the medical field and a deep desire to improve the systems that shape patient care. Working closely with patients has shown me the strengths of our healthcare system, but it has also revealed the gaps—inefficiencies, communication barriers, and structural challenges that affect both patient outcomes and staff well‑being. These experiences have inspired me to step beyond the clinical environment and into a leadership role where I can influence meaningful change.
As a single mother, I have learned to navigate demanding schedules, unexpected challenges, and constant responsibility with determination and focus. These experiences have strengthened my ability to prioritize, adapt, and lead with empathy—qualities that are essential in healthcare management. My personal journey has shaped my professional purpose: to help build healthcare environments that are efficient, equitable, and supportive for both patients and providers.
Graduate school will allow me to deepen my understanding of healthcare operations, policy, finance, and leadership. I am particularly interested in exploring how data‑driven decision‑making, organizational strategy, and patient‑centered models can improve care delivery. I want to contribute to solutions that reduce disparities, streamline processes, and create healthier workplaces for the professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Ultimately, my goal is to use my education to advance into leadership roles where I can advocate for better systems, stronger teams, and improved patient experiences. I want my child to see that perseverance can open doors, and that leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and the courage to create change. Graduate school is not just the next step in my career—it is a commitment to shaping a healthcare system that works better for everyone.
- Outside the classroom
I enjoy reading and taking nature walks, both of which help me unwind, stay grounded, and continue learning in my everyday life.
Experience
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Medical Administrative Assistant
Vital Core Health Strategies
Jul 2024 – Feb 2025
Languages
- English (US) Fluent
