Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft Becomes a Doctor

Introduction

Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft is 72 years old. She is finishing medical school and starting her work as a doctor.

Main Body

In 2020, Dawn's husband had a brain problem. He survived, but Dawn wanted to change her life. She used her retirement money to go to the St. James School of Medicine. She is the oldest student to graduate from this school. Dawn worked as a nurse for 45 years. She had a lot of experience in hospitals. This experience helped her learn medicine more easily. She knew how to help patients before she went to school. Dawn studied in different states. Now, she has a new job. She will work for three years at Trinity Health Medical Center in Michigan.

Conclusion

Dawn is now a resident doctor in Michigan.

Learning

⏱️ Then vs. Now

Look at how the story changes from the past to the future. This is the key to A2 English: moving through time.

The Past (What happened)

  • Worked (nurse for 45 years) → Finished
  • Had (a brain problem) → Finished
  • Used (money) → Finished

The Present (Right now)

  • Is (72 years old) → Current state
  • Is (a resident doctor) → Current state

The Future (What is next)

  • Will work (for three years) → Plan

💡 Pro Tip: The 'ED' Rule When we talk about things that are over, we often add -ed to the action word: WorkWorked UseUsed HelpHelped

Vocabulary Learning

years
A period of time of 365 days or 366 days in a leap year
Example:She has worked for 45 years.
doctor
A person who is trained to treat sick people
Example:She is finishing medical school to become a doctor.
hospital
A place where sick people are treated
Example:She worked as a nurse in hospitals.
patient
A person who receives medical care
Example:She learned to help patients.
study
To learn about a subject by reading or listening
Example:She studied in different states.
job
A paid position of work
Example:She has a new job at Trinity Health.
change
To make something different
Example:She wanted to change her life.
money
The value of money that people use to buy things
Example:She used her retirement money to go to school.