TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Friday is a big day for hundreds of students at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. It will have a bit of extra meaning for one of them.
Amy Waters and her life are a great example of the power of perseverance.
For many people, life is full of what-ifs. But a Toledo woman changed her story by saying, “Why not?” And it may just inspire you to chase your dreams, too.
“Just having this constant thought, ‘If I don’t do this now, it’s never going to happen.’ So I might as well try,” Waters said.
Medical school was a dream delayed for Waters. She first decided she wanted to be a doctor while she was in elementary school. But life is often full of detours and changes.
“So, I worked in marketing research, academic advising, financial services and higher education,” Waters said.
She never lost sight of becoming a doctor and while working in higher education with students going into the medical field, she was inspired to chase her dreams again. Waters started medical school at the UToledo College of Medicine in 2021 at the age of 37.
“I think there is a point in all of our lives where we think to ourselves, ‘I wish I had,’ or ‘I’m glad I did,’” Waters said.
For Waters, she is glad she did. But it wasn’t easy. Waters is a wife and mother of two young children. Her family has been a big part of her motivation.
“It was important for me to let them see that you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” Waters said.
Dr. Coral Matus is an associate professor at the UToledo College of Medicine.
“She (Waters) was always looking for more opportunities and ways to better herself,” Dr. Matus said. “Knowing the challenges she’s had and the things she’s overcome, what that says about her and her resiliency and her drive is really enlightening. Not just because of what she’s accomplished here, but because of the person she is.”
Medical school is just part of her impressive resume. Throughout the changes of her busy life, education has been a constant for Waters.
“I have an Associate’s degree in art and general studies. I have a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. I have an MBA, a Master’s of science in bio-medical sciences and then the Doctorate of medicine,” Waters said.
After a few twists and turns, Waters said she is right where she is supposed to be.
“I felt like it would be the biggest regret of my life if I didn’t go back and do it,” Waters said.
“If it’s a passion, find the barriers. Find out how to overcome them and find people who can help support you through it to pursue your dream,” Dr. Matus said.
In addition to Friday being medical school graduation day, it is also Waters’ 41st birthday.
Dr. Waters is set to begin her residency this summer with the goal of eventually focusing on sports medicine as a career.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-05-15 18:30:00
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