From dual enrollment to respiratory therapy

Sydney Martin’s educational journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Starting dual enrollment at just 15 years old through JPEC (Jackson Preparatory & Early College), she spent nearly five years balancing high school and college coursework. This unique opportunity allowed her to graduate high school while earning an associate degree in allied health — completely tuition-free.

Finding her best career fit took some exploration. Martin considered speech therapy and nursing before discovering respiratory therapy, which combined everything she was looking for in a healthcare career.

“I have no complaints; I’ve been very happy with my classes at Jackson College,” she said. Her respiratory therapy program was rigorous but rewarding. Clinical rotations were transformative. She completed most of her rotations at University of Michigan (U-M) and Sparrow Hospital, experiencing high-stress environments like ER and ICU. “Being in a profession where you see such traumatic things shifts your perspective. It makes you grateful for the little things.”

These experiences influenced her career choice — she recently accepted a position as a Respiratory Therapist at U-M and currently works as an RT extern while preparing for her board exams.

Martin admits it will feel bittersweet not returning next semester. “It’s been part of my life for so long — it feels like home.”