In My Words – Felicia Perea

Felicia Perea is a student in the Dental Assisting Certificate of Achievement program at the Carrington College Albuquerque campus in New Mexico. Felicia shared her story in our Albuquerque campus newsletter back in July; her story is so inspirational, we thought you’d all like to read it.

 “My name is Felicia Perea and I’m currently enrolled in Carrington’s Dental Assisting program. I am a single mother of two boys, ages 9 years and 7 months. I have worked full time since I was 15 years old. I’ve never really known the true meaning of “struggle” until now.

This past summer, I was informed by the local news that my employer would be shutting their doors forever. At that time, I was 7 months pregnant. You can imagine the stress I was under, knowing that no one would be interested in hiring a woman who would be going on maternity leave soon. I had no plan, no career to fall back on, and very little money.

Little did I know that good news was just around the corner, months later I was informed that my previous employer was offering to pay for employees to go back to school. This by far was the best news I could have received. I knew exactly where I was headed.

Prior to coming to Carrington College, I had a friend who attended Carrington’s Medical Assisting program the previous year. Every time I asked her about school I found myself more and more interested in going back to school because of all the nice things she had to say about it. So a few months ago I walked in those two front doors, and I’ve never looked back. I too have nothing but good things to say about Carrington.

Every person and experience I’ve had has been life changing. I am a more confident, positive, and motivated person, who has learned and grown so much in these last several months.

In the few months that I have been a Carrington College student I received a certificate for the Presidents List with academic honors for my first quarter. This by far was one of my greatest accomplishments (besides having my boys of course!). I look forward to the day that I can tell both my boys that mommy did this, so not only I could have a better future, but so they could as well.

I am living proof that it is never too late to go back to school, especially if that school is Carrington. I would like to give a very special thank you to Jered Ebenreck, Katherine Tate, Tamara Shinar, Kory Robison, and Mark Gonzalez. These are just a handful of some of the amazing staff members here at Carrington College. There is an entire building here in Albuquerque filled with others.” 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Felicia. Congratulations on all your hard work and perseverance. When they are old enough to understand your story, your boys will be very proud of you and all you have achieved.