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Dombrosky continues to learn

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POLSON — Students attending Salish Kootenai College were finishing up their finals before the Christmas break. Student Donna Dombrosky took her final in Anatomy and Physiology on Dec. 9. She had an A going into the final, and she happens to be 78 and will turn 79 in January. 

SKC’s oldest student, Dombrosky returned to school when she lost her job as a property manager at Lakeview Village Apartments after 12 years. 

While she was deciding what she wanted to do, Dombrosky said she had always been interested in the medical field.

One of Dombrosky’s daughters graduated from SKC with a nursing degree, but Dombrosky thought “nursing was a bit much.” So last year she signed up for medical bill and coding, and this year she studied Montana medical law as well as Anatomy and Physiology. 

“They claim that medical billing is quite a field right at the moment,” Dombrosky said.

Now she’s going to look for a job. As of Dec. 10, Dombrosky plans to pick up applications at area medical offices and St. Joseph’s Medical and St. Luke’s in Ronan since she’s finished her coursework. 

Going back to school presented some challenges for Dombrosky, mainly her memory, she said. She learned some new study skills, using flash cards and repetition to keep her grades high.

Dombrosky has eight children, and they supported their mother’s decision to return to school.

“They thought it was great, … great that I had something that I was interested in doing.”

Dombrosky has always been true to herself. A hairdresser for many years, Dombrosky also qualified for a pilot license, she’s ridden motorcycles, she’s “done whatever I deemed necessary that I wanted to learn.”

“My husband was not in favor of my getting a pilot’s license,” Dombrosky said.” ‘You’re a wife and a mother,’ he said. I said, ‘Yes, but I’m an individual, too.”

“When I’m in a rocking chair,” she added, “I won’t have to say I wish. I can sit there and say I did.”

Dombrosky also might take some fun classes at SKC — art, pottery, basket weaving and beading. 

Her advise for living life is simple. 

“Definitely don’t give up,” Dombrosky urged. “Keep going. Get educated. Do the things that you’re interested in. There’s so much to do.”  

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