Svitlana Tisher’s journey from ESL student to certified medical assistant reflects perseverance, purpose and the power of education 

When Svitlana Tisher left Ukraine in 2003 to live with her sister in Michigan, she didn’t speak English and had no idea she’d one day build a new life, career and future here.  

“I had dreams to go to university in Ukraine,” she said. “But my sister asked me to visit, I decided to try. My first visa was denied, so I went to community college in Ukraine and earned a degree in accounting, and worked in casinos.  

A few years later, her Visa was approved and she came to the U.S. She left her family and plans behind, thinking she’d stay only six months, but life had other plans. Tisher made a new home in Michigan, started a family and learned English through ESL classes at Oakland Community College (OCC) in 2004. 

A new beginning through education 

In 2019, when her youngest child started kindergarten, Tisher decided to return to OCC and pursue a career in health sciences. She started taking pre-requisite classes to study nursing, but things changed. 

“I was living under high levels of stress and trying to figure out how to deal with all of it and still pushing myself toward education,” she said. “I signed up for OCC’s Medical Assistant information session and it all changed from there. The program offers a part-time option, which was ideal for me and my situation.” 

Tisher said she is grateful OCC pivoted quickly during the pandemic and continued to offer online and evening courses for “people like me who have busy lives outside of school.” 

During that time, she was balancing parenting three children, health issues and difficult personal and relationship challenges. It took its toll. 

“I was overwhelmed with everything that was going on in my life,” she said. "I was struggling a lot and had to learn how to deal with stress and be mindful of my own health.” 

Finding strength and support  

She shared her concerns with some of her OCC instructors, who she said were ‘incredibly supportive and helped her persevere.’ 

“I learned some instructors had overcome serious life challenges as well, and they inspired me to stay strong," she said. “Going to school was actually very therapeutic for me. It gave me hope and helped me believe in myself again. I am a different person now than I was when I started at OCC.” 

Tisher completed her studies, followed by her practicum in a medical clinic, getting hands-on experience in the field. 

“Before OCC, I had no experience in the medical field,” she said. “The program gave me the skills and confidence to start a new career and a job I enjoy.” 

Resilience beyond borders 

Tisher’s continues to find it difficult to live so far from her family in Ukraine, especially as the war with Russia escalated.  

“My oldest brother, a teacher, volunteered to join the Ukrainian army at age 49, right after the invasion,” she said. “He spent more than two years on the front lines defending Ukraine before he got injured.” 

Her relatives continue to serve on the front lines fighting for freedom and democracy, and saving lives. It is a stark reminder of the resilience that motivates her every day. 

A career with purpose 

Now working as a medical assistant in the clinic she trained in, Tisher says her OCC experience gave her more than a degree—it gave her purpose.  

“I want to help people and make a difference in this world,” she said. “This is my way to give back to America and to my community.” 

About OCC     

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.      

   ###    

Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu