Megan A
As a childhood athlete who spent a lot of time scared in doctors’ offices, Megan A. appreciated the care she received from everyone in the medical field. She knew that she wanted a career in this field. Megan was attempting to get into the radiology program for a few years when the opportunity came up to apply to the Medical Assisting program.
“I applied and got accepted – it just sort of fell into my lap. It was exactly what I was looking for in terms of my goal of helping patients. Everyone made it fun, and the program is very hands-on. The experience was great, with a lot of guidance and support,” says Megan.
Megan completed two externships: one closer to her home and one on-campus. These experiences have all helped her as she applies to the respiratory therapy program at Hartnell College.
“I feel absolutely prepared for this new program. I learned how to work with different types of doctors and the need for flexibility with different styles and pacing.”
Her goal is to work as a respiratory therapist. She experienced childhood asthma so it’s close to her heart. During her time in the Medical Assisting program, all aspects for the medical world opened up and she’s grateful to keep progressing.
Irvin C
Irvin C. entered the medical pathway at his inner city high school where he took classes that developed his knowledge foundation such as Medical Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology. Since then, Irvin has been determined to work and learn in the medical field with an ultimate goal of helping people through emergency medical response. He discovered the Medical Assisting program at Cabrillo through a counselor for EOPS.
“I enjoyed the program and the opportunities we had to bond with our cohort and build a productive learning and practicing environment,” says Irvin.
Irvin completed his externship this summer at Santa Cruz Community Health. After working with the team and learning the flow of a larger facility, Irvin was fortunate to be offered a full-time position there as a Medical Assistant. In the future, he hopes to continue through medical school to specialize in pediatric care.
“I feel prepared for this new position. The instructors really take the time to ensure you learn the skills and techniques needed.”
Nalia V.
During the pandemic, Nalia V. lost a lot of her family members. She saw how they were taken care of in the hospital and decided she wanted to make a difference, like the healthcare workers did with her family members. In addition, she has experienced family members’ challenges with addictions. She is interested in helping people medically, whether with addictions of otherwise.
Her goal is radiology, and she saw the Medical Assisting program as a stepping stone into that program.
“I was very excited when I got accepted. It started my path into health care and the program opened my eyes to what health care is really like,” says Nalia.
Nalia learned about herself in the program, as well as how to care for others – physically, mentally, and emotionally. She remembers that it was her best experience in school and that the cohort was like a family.
“I felt like I belonged and that we cared for each other.”
Nalia is now working at Janus of Santa Cruz. She was nervous at first given her experiences being around people with active addictions. She was concerned working there might be challenging or triggering, but she enjoys her work.
“I find the work healing; seeing how people can make changes in their lives.”
Nalia is also getting her health science and medical assisting degree. Her ultimate goal is to complete the radiology program and become a radiologist.
“I’ll have an easier time in the radiology program with my medical assisting background. I feel prepared for both the program and my current job.”
Kimber H
As Kimber H. researched various experience-building jobs that would help her progress toward her goal of being a nurse, she became interested in Medical Assisting. She had previously attended Cabrillo and wanted to work with the faculty again, so she investigated different certificates. She chose Medical Assisting as providing the perfect blend of administrative and clinical knowledge. Kimber says the entire process of applying and getting into the program was exceptionally smooth. And she has found the program to be a positive experience.
“I learned a lot, not only about what it takes to be a Medical Assistant, but also what I needed for personal growth. The instructors and cohort were extremely supportive; always doing everything they could so we all succeeded. The clinical classes are realistic, informative, and helped bond us as a class.”
Kimber is excited to start her externship soon and appreciates how the experience is easy on the students because the instructors help them get into the “real world.”
“I’m optimistic about what I’ve learned and where I’m going,” says Kimber.
Cindy V
When Cindy V. graduated from high school, she had a strong interest in Criminal Justice, wanting to be a lawyer supporting women and children who faced trouble at home.
However, her dad was diagnosed with stage 4 leukemia. This was scary and hit the family hard.
“My Dad is my everything.”
Cindy had to leave school to work and care for her little brothers. At this time, she interacted with people who were loving and compassionate while caring for her dad.
“Life gives you big turns and you don’t know why. But once you’re there, you know where you want to be in life,” says Cindy. “Seeing these caring people, I became more compassionate to myself, my family, and others. I wanted to care for someone else as they cared for my dad and get that satisfaction.”
Then Cindy married and had her son. He needed heart surgery and was in NICU for two months. This was a hard time for Cindy, and she learned even more from the caregivers.
“God was putting all of this in my life for a reason; I have to return to this,” thought Cindy.
Ever since she had a son born with a heart condition, Cindy wanted to enter the medical field to make a difference in people’s lives just like all the nurses and doctors did for her.
Cindy went back to school, thinking of becoming a nurse. But she knows that takes a while. So, she’s starting Medical Assisting.
“This has been the best opportunity. The faculty made the process easy. And they are so supportive – I have gone through the Pajaro flooding and my family is still living in a hotel. Faculty helped me keep up with my studies and supported me. This program will affect the next chapters of my life by showing my toddlers if mom can do it, they can do it too”
She has finished the program and is doing her externship in Student Health Services.
“The externship is eye-opening, and I love it! I’ve found my right place.”
Dahlia O
Medical Assisting student Dahlia has faced significant and painful obstacles, yet has faith in her ability to realize her dream of becoming a doctor. As far back as she can remember, Dahlia has aspired to work with those in need and to give back to her community.
"I have never allowed my obstacles to define me or stop the person I want to become."
Dahlia, a recipient of the 2017 High Achievers Scholarship, enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program to gain experience in the medical field while continuing her education. Dahlia is eager to start her career in the profession that she loves. And importantly, she is proud to be a role model for the love of her life, her son Malakyi. Being part of the program has allowed her to provide financial stability for the family while she works toward her goals.
"I feel blessed to have the honor to be part of such a great program taught by some of the most genuine, compassionate, and caring individuals. They have helped me see the potential within myself. I know in my heart I will make it and accomplish my goals."
Dahlia is currently in level 3 and taking a full load of classes this summer, with the goal of graduating with her classmates in June 2019 with her Medical Assisting certificate and AS.. She's also working on her prerequisites for nursing. Her plan is to work as a medical assistant for two years, get into a nursing program, work as nurse, then go to medical school.
This will take a long time, but it's important to Dahlia to get experience in all fields in order to be a well-rounded doctor. She wants to make an impact on low income patients, and the community as a whole, who often don't have access to basic health care and have, at times, had negative experiences getting health care. She wants to provide care in a positive and welcoming manner.