When it rains, it pours, as they say!
Catherine Calderon was a recent high school graduate and pregnant at the height of the pandemic. Add having both parents hospitalized with COVID and 10 siblings in need of care, and for most people that would be almost too much to handle. For Calderon, these events were the catalyst for her to decide she wanted a career in healthcare. With support from family and the Las Vegas faculty and staff, she never gave up, and is now working in a career she loves.
Here’s her story.
“I had recently graduated from high school and learned I was pregnant when the pandemic hit. Both of my parents were hospitalized with COVID and I was left alone with my 10 siblings. My father was in a coma for two months and once he began to recover, the hospital provided minimal and very poor care. We took him home and I became his caretaker. It was a difficult time for my family. Because of this experience, I decided I wanted a career in the medical field so I could provide the support and care for patients I wished my father had received.
I started the Medical Assistant program at Pima Medical Institute, and had so many obstacles to overcome. As a young mom of a newborn, I often came to class having had no sleep; in addition, I was suffering from severe postpartum depression. I didn’t have a car and regularly had to leave early to catch the bus, which caused me to struggle with transportation to my externship. Many times,
I wanted to give up. The staff and instructors encouraged me and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They gave me many second chances because they saw something in me. During my externship at Paragon Medical Associates, my supervisor pushed me to be better and offered me a position after graduating. I have changed so much; I’ve become a stronger person and better Medical Assistant.
I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Pima Medical and people like, Ms. Wheeler and Ms. Knight. I was at a low point in my life and wanted to quit. They encouraged me and pushed me all the way to graduation. Going to Pima Medical changed my life for the better and now I am working in the career I love!”
Catherine’s story is proof that while it might not be easy, working in a fulfilling career you love is definitely worth it! Get started on the path toward your new career now.
