As a Surgical Technologist, Renae Garman prepares the operating room for surgery, sets up a sterile field, prepares surgical equipment, and helps the surgical team suit up with sterile gowns and gloves.

The preparation needed to handle her job at Huron Hospital in East Cleveland, Ohio began at Brown Mackie College – North Canton where she graduated in June 2009 with an Associate of Applied Science degree Surgical Technology.

She drives a daily 25-minute commute from her home in Canton, Ohio. The former school bus driver is the single mother of Adam, 20; Andrew, 18; and 14-year-old daughter, Makenzie. She and her children live with her parents.

Before going to college, Renae’s life was all mapped out until she ran into a major detour. “After 14 years, my marriage fell apart and I was left with nothing,” she said. “I had to go back to school.  I hope I have set a good example for my children and they understand that you definitely need to make sure you set goals for yourself.”

“I am very grateful to everyone at the school and my family for supporting and enabling me to have a new career at the age of 43,” said Garman. “For four months, I had to go to college, without a job. I had the support of my classmates, instructors, my parents, and siblings. My kids were also a great help.  They knew more about the Internet than I did and even helped me type reports. I’m even on Facebook.”  

Renae had to quit her job as a bus driver while in college because she had to be available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for her externship at Huron Hospital. She was offered a job in the Trauma Unit right after graduation. “Accepting the job was a difficult thing to do because I did not have the experience under my belt. However, Brown Mackie College – North Canton gave me the solid foundation to go in and work at the hospital out of school,” she said.

Renae’s fear of math could have kept her from reaching her goal, but a math refresher course at school got her off to the right start. “I took a refresher math course that was absolutely wonderful,” she said.   The course taught me how to use a calculator. I was scared. I still avoid math like the plague. At least math did not stop me from going back to school.” She also liked Brown Mackie College – North Canton’s approach where she could enroll in one course each month.

“I have three kids, a full time job and I’m a mom. Brown Mackie College – North Canton was the perfect fit for me.”