ACTC medical assisting graduate defies odds, earns degree

Published on May 14, 2025

With every late-night study session and every word learned in a new language, Noran Deifallah rewrote the story many tried to write for her – one of limitations – and turned it into one of resilience, strength, and triumph. 

“Everyone needs something to dream,” said Deifallah.

On May 9, Deifallah graduated from Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) with her associate in applied science in Medical Assisting, but her journey to that diploma began countless challenges ago.

Born and raised in Jordan, Deifallah arrived in the United States in 2013 when her husband began his medical residency in Texas. She was surrounded by an unfamiliar language and culture, but she carried with her a desire to grow, not just for herself, but for her children.

While in Texas, she gladly took on new experiences and challenges. She spent her time volunteering at hospitals, working at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and exploring her passion for cooking. When her family relocated to Ashland in 2016, she found herself searching again for an opportunity to learn and grow. She was seeking ways to not just adapt, but to thrive.

“I love to learn, I don’t like to stay still,” Deifallah said. “I always need to continue to learn, as a mother, and as a woman.”

With Arabic as her first language, Deifallah deliberately chose a path that would challenge her. This choice led her to ACTC’s medical assisting program.

“I challenged myself by choosing the medical field,” she said. “Language was a barrier. Doubt was a barrier. But I was blessed with the opportunity to learn.”

Her first semester was a test of endurance. Sleep was rare, and many nights she would wake at 4 a.m. to call her sister in Jordan, the two studying together over the phone across continents and time zones. There were tears and there was exhaustion, but there was also a promise, to herself and to her children, that she would not give up. 

Education wasn’t just a goal for Deifallah, but a lifeline.

“In my country, they say women can’t do something like this,” she said. “But to me, education is a weapon for women. Anyone can achieve their dream by showing up every day and continuing to learn.”

It was at ACTC where she found support and mentorship from program coordinator Kellie Cyrus.

“She is the best,” said Deifallah. “If you have a good teacher, you’ll never forget the information.” 

She describes her professor as organized, hands on, dedicated, and truly caring. Cyrus speaks of Deifallah with the same warmth. 

“Out of all the students I’ve had in my 20 years of teaching, this is a student whose been shown the most challenges, and she’s overcome them all,” said Cyrus. “Sometimes we lose our passion, but Noran shows passion in all that she does. She was an absolute joy to have. She’s taught me as much as I have taught her.”

Deifallah credits her love of learning to her father, who instilled in her a belief that education never ends.

“Until you die, you are still learning,” she said. 

That belief carried her through the obstacles she overcame and every doubt she chose to meet with determination.

“I’m proud that I’m here,” she said. “Proud that I did this for myself and proud that I can help take care of my family. I took on a challenge, I learned new things, and I’m here.”

She said it made her stronger to accomplish this on her own.

“Never lose your hope or your dream,” she said for anyone who is starting out on their path to a better life. “Keep going and keep trying. If you’re not trying or failing, you’re not learning or succeeding.”

On May 15, Deifallah will take the National Certification Exam, the next step in her journey to becoming a medical assistant.

Deifallah’s story is more than academic success. It’s a journey defined by fortitude and the unrelentless pursuit of a dream.