After graduating high school in 2011, Joel Cintron enrolled at Passaic County Community College (PCCC) with aspirations to join the nursing program. As a child, Joel spent a significant amount of time in hospitals due to seizures, which led him to develop a profound respect for medical professionals. This respect evolved into a calling, motivating him to pursue a career in healthcare. However, the transition from high school to college life proved challenging. Living in a dormitory away from home for the first time, he faced intense homesickness and anxiety, which impacted his mental health and academic performance. By the end of his first semester, Joel made the difficult decision to leave the college, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of this new environment.
In 2013, determined to give his education another shot, Joel re-enrolled at PCCC while working full time. Despite passing his first semester with decent grades, he found it increasingly difficult to balance full-time work and academic responsibilities. The rigors of managing both eventually led to declining grades and another withdrawal from PCCC. Between 2013 and 2016, he tried multiple times to return, but faced consistent obstacles, including a demanding work schedule, personal responsibilities, and social anxiety which made it nearly impossible to maintain progress in his studies.
The turning point
Joel’s journey with ReUp began at a crucial time when he felt overwhelmed by past traumas and uncertainty about his next steps in life. It all started with an email from ReUp that piqued his interest and prompted him to explore coaching. Intrigued by the potential for support at no cost, Joel decided to schedule a meeting with Coach Kate, one of ReUp’s Success Coaches. He credits Coach Kate with helping to keep him grounded and committed to his goals, providing honest and sometimes hard-to-hear advice that was essential for his growth and persistence.
“With Coach Kate and the support of my mother, I was able to continue to fight that uphill battle and eventually get to the top,” he said. Coach Kate’s unbiased truth, delivered with grace and honesty, helped Joel navigate his academic and personal struggles. This support system, coupled with Joel’s own determination, made a difference in his ability to persevere.
For Joel, higher education isn’t just about obtaining a degree; it’s about finding purpose. “I spent a lot of time in the hospital and I have an admiration for those working in healthcare. I always wanted to give back to people and to help people feel better,” Joel said. So, when he decided to re-enroll at PCCC in 2024 with the help of Coach Kate, he chose the radiography program because of his personal health experiences and a desire to help others.
“With Coach Kate and the support of my mother, I was able to continue to fight that uphill battle and eventually get to the top.”
— Joel Cintron
Embracing support and accountability
One of Joel’s ongoing battles has been his severe social anxiety disorder. Every day presented a battle against panic attacks and self-doubt. He often struggled with physical symptoms like heart palpitations and dizziness, which made it difficult to attend classes regularly. A pivotal moment occurred during his first semester after re-enrolling in 2024 when a severe panic attack landed him in the hospital. Alone in the ER for nearly seven hours, Joel used this time to reflect. He turned to his faith, seeking solace and strength in prayer. In that hospital room, Joel made a decision; he would not let anxiety dictate his future. From that moment on, Joel remained focused and determined to succeed and finished his first semester back–he is now looking forward to starting the fall semester.
His faith played an integral role in shaping his perspective and driving his actions. He added: “I’m a firm believer in finishing what you started, despite roadblocks and other issues that can sometimes entangle us or make us lose our way.” This faith provided him with the strength to overcome his fears and continue moving forward when faced with numerous setbacks.
Looking ahead
Joel believes that taking that first step back to higher education, no matter how small, is crucial. It’s the beginning of a journey that can lead to significant personal and academic growth. To those facing similar challenges, Joel offers valuable advice, grounded in his own experiences: “Take a step and make a decision,” he said. “Your indecision leads to inaction and ultimately failure. Prepare yourself, seek help, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.” He underscores the power of opening up, accepting help, and leveraging available resources. No one has to face their challenges alone; there are people and resources available to help every step of the way.
Take a step and make a decision. Your indecision leads to inaction and ultimately failure. Prepare yourself, seek help, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
As Joel continues his radiography program, with an expected graduation in 2026, he remains optimistic and driven by his experiences. Joel’s message is clear: with determination and support, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
