Growth in Action: Balancing Full-Time Work and a Healthcare Degree
At Wayfinder, we talk a lot about being "lifelong learners." It’s one of the core values we look for in our team and one of the traits we encourage in the medical practices we serve. But we know that growth isn’t just a buzzword—it’s hard work. It often means juggling schedules, sacrificing free time, and stretching yourself to build a better future.
Q: Tell us a little about what led to your decision to pursue a degree in Healthcare Administration.
Paris: Many things led me here, but it really began with a personal experience that changed how I viewed healthcare. Years ago, I became a caregiver to a loved one who eventually lost his battle with cancer. Walking through that season with him really opened my eyes to what compassionate, coordinated care truly looks like.
I watched his care team show up with empathy, teamwork, and purpose (even in the most stressful and intense moments) and it left a lasting impact on me. That experience taught me that while doctors and nurses are the heart of care, there’s also a whole system working behind the scenes to make that care possible. I wanted to be part of that—to make sure patients and providers have the support, structure, and leadership they need to thrive.
My goal has always been to make a difference in how healthcare works, bridging the gap between the people providing care and the systems that sustain it.
Q: How has being a student and pursuing this degree shaped your leadership and involvement at Wayfinder?
Paris: Being a student while working at Wayfinder has reinforced my learning mindset. We talk a lot about being lifelong learners here, and pursuing this degree has allowed me to live that out in real time.
I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in school to my job, and working at Wayfinder gives me real context for what I’ve studied about communication and driving change. Both roles feed into each other and have made it easier to continue to learn and lead.
Q: When you think about “success” in this season of life, has your definition shifted?
Paris: To me, success still means being a problem solver and a source of support for my family, friends, and my team. It’s about helping others win and creating an environment where everyone can thrive together.
However, what has shifted is my understanding that growth takes time. I’ve had to learn patience and give myself more grace in the process. Managing your own standards or expectations can be hard sometimes, but I’ve realized that being in a season of learning means I won’t always have everything figured out. And that’s okay because progress is success, too.
Q: What advice would you give to a manager about supporting an employee who is in school?
Paris: People who take on school while working are doing it because they want to grow and bring even more value back to their work. What really makes a difference is having a manager who understands that.
A little flexibility and trust go a long way. When a manager checks in, shows empathy, and gives space for balance, it means so much more because it’s not just about making the schedule work—it’s about feeling seen and supported. That kind of understanding can help someone not only get through school but really thrive in both their career and education.
Paris’s journey reminds us that the best investment a business can make is in its people. Whether you run a private medical practice or a billing company, your team wants to bring their full selves to work. When leaders offer flexibility and genuine support, they don't just get an employee who clocks in and out; they get a partner who is invested in the success of the whole organization.
We are proud of Paris for doing the hard work to improve the healthcare experience for everyone involved.
