Suwimon Panalak Martin, originally from Bangkok, Thailand, has been recognized for her academic achievements at Durham Technical Community College. After graduating from college in 2004, Martin moved to the United States to work as an au pair. She later joined the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, serving in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012. After her military service, Martin worked as a pre-K assistant teacher. This experience led her to pursue a graduate degree in teaching and enroll in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Durham Tech in North Carolina.
Martin faced several challenges during her studies. She balanced her roles as a mother, wife, part-time worker, and student. As an English as a Second Language student, she found some subjects difficult. Martin credits her instructors at Durham Tech for providing extra support and encouragement outside of class.
The Veterans Educational Benefits office and the Writing Center at Durham Tech also supported her. They assisted her with the G.I. Bill process and helped her improve her academic writing skills, which were important for her acceptance into the OTA program…