As a child, Julia Grace Collins wasn’t sure if she wanted to work in the medical field. Born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, she spent a lot of time going to doctors, having procedures and undergoing therapy. After graduating from West Forsyth in 2013, she began studying psychology at UNC-Greensboro. But Collins realized she was a good advocate for patients. In 2014, she transferred from UNCG to Forsyth Tech to pursue a degree in Medical Office Administration. Taking courses both on campus and on-line, Collins said, “my instructors were great. They were accommodating and met my needs.”
Collins uses a wheelchair and admits it can be difficult to realize your limitations. She explains, “when you hit a roadblock, try to find another path or another way to do things, and many more opportunities come about.” Some of her most loved experiences include therapeutic horseback riding, wheel chair basketball and adaptive downhill skiing. Through her own determination and the support of close friends and family, Collins graduated Forsyth Tech with an Associate in Applied Science degree Spring 2019.
Collins plans to stay in the Clemmons area working in a hospital or clinic. Her courage and strength of character will be an asset to her career. “I have the perspective of being a patient. I have been told I am an empathetic person and if someone is nervous I understand and can help.”
