Hello, I am like many of you in that I have had to seek new careers a few times in my life for various reasons. I was born and raised in London where my first job was as a police constable working out of New Scotland Yard in the Metropolitan Police Service. I came to the United States in 1991 and since I was not yet a citizen I had to seek alternative employment and I ended up in a large hospital working in the safety and security department. It was there that I discovered an interest in medical issues and so at the ripe old age of 31 I enlisted in the US Army as a combat medic. I learned many things and after I got injured I used my medical knowledge to transfer into my current career, through the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

I now teach at Hodges University in Naples, FL in their HIM AS degree program. Although I already had a Masters degree in Education I decided to return to school to earn a masters degree in HIM at the College of St. Scholastica that would also allow me to sit for the RHIA credential. There were many choices but this school is still the gold standard and the staff and faculty are not only excellent HIM practitioners but also some of the nicest people you will ever meet!

My Final Applied Project or "FAP" as you will begin to learn is the culmination of your studies in the program. Mine is still under development and involves creating apps to help students to study for the credential they wish to earn. I would never have had the confidence to take on such an innovative project without the education and support of my teachers at the college.

I am a former director on the Florida Health Information Management Association board of directors and enjoy giving back both locally and on the state level through various volunteer activities. I encourage all of you to get involved, as it is a great way to network and find ways to get ahead in your chosen profession. You can earn a degree at any university but at St Scholastica I have my degree, a wonderful group of colleagues and a very real connection to a marvelous college that will remain with me for the rest of my life. 

"Donating to the Sister Loretta Scholarship has become one of life's good habits!  I was fortunate enough to attend St. Scholastica with Shirley Eichenwald-Maki who was the 1st scholarship recipient.  All know the tremendous contributions she has made to the HIM profession and I know how important the scholarship was to her.  Sister Loretta passed away the year we were sophomores, but her presence was always felt in the curriculum.  As a supermarket cashier in Duluth during college I also had the privilege of getting to know Ms. Patricia Sheehan (Sister Loretta's sister) - a warm and knowledgeable woman.   I have also had the privilege of serving on the scholarship committee for many years and see first-hand the professional knowledge of CSS's students and the appreciation recipients have shown.  The Committee knows how important even small contributions are to the scholarship and encourages wider giving so students continue to benefit in this outstanding educational program." 

CSS Alumni, Monica Pappas, RHIA