Today, Guadalupe is a certified Medical Assistant, thriving at her new job with Hoag. But Guadalupe didn’t always understand the value of her education. In high school, she “was caught up wanting to work more than go to school because I didn't feel like continuing my education was important.”
Guadalupe first arrived at Huntington Beach Adult School needing to finish her High School Diploma. She appreciated how her teachers offered one-on-one tutoring, and HBAS staff showed her what routes she could take in school and in a career.
Guadalupe started exploring careers in health care after being laid off from retail work during the pandemic. With her sights set on nursing school, she began taking classes at Golden West College. Guadalupe decided to also pursue a Medical Assistant certification to open more opportunities.
Guadalupe was part of the Fall 2021 Medical Assistant class, held in person at HBAS. The course was fast-paced and challenging, but instructor Alan Bell and support staff made sure students kept up with the coursework and got help when needed.
The small class size created a tight-knit group of students. In November, they gathered to celebrate their achievements at a swearing-in ceremony. Guadalupe was joined by her husband, parents and siblings. She remembers reflecting that day on how lucky she was to have the support of her family along the way.
After she completed the MA Program, things began to move quickly for Guadalupe. She passed the state certification test on her first try and met with HBAS Job Developer Arlene Flores. Interview preparation with Arlene proved to be immediately helpful, as she was asked some of the same questions in actual job interviews.
Guadalupe accepted a job offer as a Medical Assistant with Hoag, thrilled to be hired by such a well-respected company. So far, Guadalupe enjoys the diversity of the urgent care setting. She has performed a variety of tests and procedures, treating patients from 2 months to 100 years old! On the job, Guadalupe has seen the value of her education each time she applies skills learned at HBAS.
Though she’s accomplished so much in a short time, Guadalupe isn’t slowing down. She is still taking classes at Golden West College, working towards the goal of becoming a registered nurse. With her commitment to learning and seeking new opportunities, we know Guadalupe will find success on each step of her career path.