Chelsea O'Day

Chelsea O'Day first came to Delaware Tech because it's close to home and fits her lifestyle as a single mother and non-traditional student. Now, she said, "Why wouldn't I choose Delaware Tech? The respiratory care program instructors and clinical instructors are all highly educated in this particular scope of practice. They exceed their duties by ALWAYS being readily available to us and are phenomenal human beings in and outside the classroom." She decided to return to school to provide a better future for herself and her daughter, Capri.

Her interest in the respiratory therapy field began when her cousin, Jessica, delivered both of her children pre-term: Harley at 24 weeks and Georgia at 32. "They struggled for life; they struggled to maintain their own breath. I saw firsthand after meeting Harley for the first time in the Christiana NICU how significantly important respiratory therapists are in critical, life-altering situations. They help to give life back to those who are fighting, as well as provide a better quality of life to those whose journeys are nearing an end."

Chelsea has faced several challenges on her educational journey, but said that each of them have strengthened her. "At times, I thought it would be easier to quit and work a regular 40-hour week where I am currently employed, but then I think about my 4-year-old little girl who depends on me; she is closely listening and watching my every move. I have set my eyes on a goal and I refuse to lose sight of it!"

Chelsea advised other students to "learn from your mistakes now as a student, so that you can look back one day and realize just how far you have come."

After graduating from Delaware Tech, Chelsea wants to work as a registered respiratory therapist with credentials to work with neonatal pediatrics and intensive critical care patients.