First-generation college graduate, Timothy Teris, had limited prospects for higher education, and Hillsborough College (HC) became the place that opened the door to his future, a place where he discovered his potential and built the foundation for a career in healthcare.
Today, after earning multiple degrees and launching his own business, Timothy is looking back at HC once again as he plans his next big step.
Born and raised in Bartow, Florida, Timothy attended Bartow High School but didn’t graduate with his class. Instead, he entered the diploma program at the St. James Academy High School and immediately enrolled in a trade program focused on patient care and medical assistance. After earning his trade certification and working as a dialysis technician, his manager encouraged him to go back to school to pursue nursing. The task proved difficult, as Timothy struggled to gain acceptance to nearby two-year institutions.
HC recognized the value of his diploma, and in 2011, he enrolled as a part-time student on the Plant City Campus, where he began taking prerequisites for the nursing program. Eventually, he shifted focus to an associate in arts degree after finding inspiration in the counseling and human services programs offered at the College. He scanned catalogues of courses and careers before completing his associate degree, and he advises anyone at a crossroads to explore their options carefully.
“My professors helped me the most during my time at HC,” he said. “Out of all the institutions I’d been to, none of them cared like HC did.”
Timothy graduated from HC in 2017 and transferred to the University of South Florida (USF) to pursue a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration.
While taking classes at USF, Timothy’s mother fell ill, and he worried about supporting himself and her care. Looking for a reliable way to increase his income that best worked with his USF and work schedule, he enrolled in the HC Truck Driving Training Program, which partners with SAGE Truck Driving Schools, and completed additional employment certifications. Timothy’s mother made a full recovery, and he was able to support himself financially while already working full-time and studying part-time.
“College was never pushed upon me in my household. It was getting a job and making money,” he said. “Despite your circumstances, you can succeed in college.”
Timothy’s smooth transition into USF reinforced his desire to continue learning. However, his time at USF was short-lived, prompted by a growing interest in a different career path. Needing to be closer to his mom, Timothy transferred to Polk State College to pursue the occupational therapy program.
“I had an interest in therapy since going to trade school. I would do my clinical hours in the therapy department of rehab centers where I showed patients games on the Wii. That was rehab to them,” he said. “So, when I knew I was coming back to Polk County, I did my research on therapy programs, applied, and got in on my first try.”
Timothy completed his occupational therapy program and graduated in 2021.
“Give community college a try. I think it’s a great start for any student,” he said. “Whether you’re coming out of high school or returning to the workforce, there’s a variety of programs that meet many student needs.”
Currently, Timothy works as a licensed occupational therapy assistant and operates a transportation business serving clients who use wheelchairs. He is also building a social media presence as an occupational therapist to showcase his career journey with a wider audience. He has considered returning to HC for a class on abnormal psychology, hoping it will better his chances of being accepted to a bridge program next fall.
In the future, Timothy would like to become an instructor in higher education, while his current passion remains in at-home healthcare settings. He’s unsure how that path plays out, but he’s been inspired to consider becoming an educator because of the uplifting professors he had at HC.
“HC gave me my foundation going into the medical field,” he said. “It made me the healthcare professional I am today, and I will always give kudos to HC for giving me the chance.”