Greenfield native Addilyn “Addie” Coil graduated from high school in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. She started her college experience at Trine University. During the pandemic, however, she couldn’t be as involved as she wanted, so she did some online research and learned about Ivy Tech. Her first time on campus, she was welcomed with open arms and knew it was where she belonged.
“Trine just didn’t feel right,” Coil recalled, realizing her desire to stay close to family amid their invaluable guidance and memorable events such as cook-outs, traveling, and visits with grandmothers. A smaller community also seemed appealing.
Several of her family members had attended Ball State University, but Coil was intent on something smaller that offered both the medical and physical therapy assistance programs she had been eyeing. Ivy Tech Muncie seemed the perfect choice.
Living in Muncie offered Coil easy access to Ivy Tech, where she earned an associate’s degree in the medical assistance program in 2023. Another year of scholarships was the boon Coil needed to continue at Ivy Tech, this time commuting from her home in Greenfield while working on her clinicals in New Castle. Her goal was a second associate’s degree in Healthcare Specialities with a nod to administration.
As if her schedule wasn’t daunting enough, Coil was elected President of the Student Government Association (SGA) of Ivy Tech Muncie for the 2023/24 school term. “It seemed like fate stepped in and handed me this opportunity,” smiled Coil, who loved serving as the liaison between her fellow students and the Ivy Tech administration. “It was a huge confidence booster, and I felt so honored to serve,” said Coil, who facilitated meetings, addressed grievances, and advocated for the student body.
“I adore medical assisting, but leaving my position as SGA President was difficult,” she added. After two rounds of clinical practice, Coil graduated from Ivy Tech on May 11, 2024, with her close-knit family in attendance.
Now a full-time employee at Hancock Health Center in Greenfield, Coil spends her days administering physicals, lab draws, and stress tests, along with vaccinations.
Working in an “employer clinic,” she serves staff and faculty from surrounding county schools, in addition to Hancock County government employees. “I get paid to poke people,” laughed Coil.
What does the future hold for this accomplished medical assistant? “I just take it day by day,” said Coil. Only one credit hour away from a second degree, she hopes to finish when time permits. Focused on her many blessings, Coil credits her “supportive family” for always being there for her. “I wouldn’t be who I am without the many people around me,” she emphasized. “Family, teachers, chancellors, administrators, and faculty advisers” have all contributed to Coil’s success.
With both parents working in service fields—Mom as a nurse and Dad as a retired fireman—Coil has inherited a love of giving back to her community.
Meeting the challenge of Covid head-on, this go-getter has successfully advanced in her life and career. She is poised for whatever else fate has to offer—as long as it still affords her the time to visit her grandmothers.
