Alumni Spotlight: Dreya Monayarji

Photo: Seminole State alumna Dreya Monayarji wears protective gear to protect herself and her patients as she works as a respiratory therapist.

Name: Dreya Monayarji

Title and company: Respiratory therapist at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

Years attended Seminole State College: 2011-2013

Did you go on to a four-year college or university following your time spent at Seminole State?
After graduating with my Associate in Arts degree from Seminole State College in 2013, I finished my collegiate career at Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I later attended Indian River State College, where I was accepted into their respiratory therapy program. I am currently a respiratory therapist at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce, Fla.

What position did you play on the Seminole State softball team?
I played at Seminole State from 2011-2013 and played first base.

Any favorite memory of your time, team or Coach Courtney Miller?
My all-time favorite memory is winning the state championship in 2012 and going to nationals! I've never played on a team with better chemistry on and off the field. It was the time of my life and I'll never forget it. I remember Courtney telling us in our first couple weeks of the fall season that we were going to be the team that was going to make her retire (not in a good way either)!

How did your experience as a student-athlete help with your life or current situation? 
Courtney taught us accountability, respect and responsibility on and off the field. She is one of the most respected women that I've ever met. I will cherish her, the memories, my teammates and every day I spent at Seminole State for the rest of my life. Courtney taught us so much more than softball.

Can you share an uplifting story about your work that you have experienced over the last few weeks?
Respiratory therapists are a critical part of the hospital. The world is just now getting a little glimpse of what we do. As a respiratory therapist, many times we are dealing with patients on the worst day of their lives. Knowing that I am a small but critical part in a team effort that can not only affect them medically, but emotionally as well, is an awesome feeling. It's easy to forget that taking care of critical patients isn't only about them; it's about their family as well. Just being able to do my job every day and knowing I'm able to help during this pandemic is a really good feeling. Hospital staff from surgeons to janitors have all come together to work as a team to get through this tough time. It's a really good feeling to be a part of it all.