Joan Pereira has had a career change from line cook to pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare management services. She became a mother at 22 and worked in restaurants for many years before needing back surgery, which led her to change careers. She is passionate about food and cooking but realized she could no longer do that type of physical work long-term. Returning to school as an adult student was her only concern but she chose a challenging dual major of management and healthcare. Her goal is to obtain a degree in healthcare management services to have a better quality of life with more security and ability to enjoy life.