Twenty-one-year-old Kaye Solomon Anta did not have a career path all figured out, but she did know a couple of things for certain: she wanted a medical career in dermatology, and she very much wished to help people feel better about themselves. Coming to the U.S. from the Philippines, there were many loving eyes watching her from afar, encouraging her to reach her highest career dreams.
Kaye was a little surprised to find a well-lit education and training path at Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program that might be the perfect fit. It was fast paced, including a lot of hands-on experience and an externship that put those about to graduate into participating in medical facilities for real-world work experience. She could also apply for a $5000.00 scholarship award: Bonus!
How did Carrington College win your trust and approval?
I had been researching schools for about a few weeks, reading reviews and Carrington College just felt right. After visiting the campus I thought, “Ok, this is so perfect for me.” I felt like I belonged here. There were two other college options, but I didn’t even have to see the other schools. I didn’t have any hesitation and applied right away with the only thought in my mind at the time was “This is it.”
What drew you toward a career in health care?
I graduated high school in the Philippines and had wanted to be in health care since I was a kid. Nurses were my superheroes (we only had one doctor in our town), and I wanted to be like them when I grew up. Also, an experience as a child my grandmother had a stroke and wouldn’t have made it without their medical care. I just wanted to be a person to help someone in that same position.
I really wanted to go into nursing school out of high school, but we were planning to come to the U.S., so I thought I would wait until we got here.
What was enrollment in your Medical Assisting program like?
There were a lot of other applicants, but I felt like I really belonged there in the very beginning. During the enrollment process, they encouraged me to apply for various scholarships; it wasn’t hard. Just information about why I wanted to get into healthcare, my background, a statement/essay and two recommendations from friends.
I was so surprised and happy that I got the HAPPEN scholarship ($5,000.). It meant that I would only have to work part-time instead of full-time while I was in school.
How is Carrington College’s Medical Assisting program structured?
Each module (6-weeks) we have a checklist of medical procedures we perform on each other (classmates) that we must master. We do blood draws, take vitals: temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, weight, TB skin tests). We need to have performed these 100 times and become proficient before we can qualify for externship (on-the-job training). I’m halfway there.
Another thing to take into consideration is that we practice on dummies before we start working on each other thankfully!
Any surprises in your Medical Assisting program?
They provide us with everything we need: blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometer and a fully-equipped lab. Carrington College also provides students with helpful resources, such as an iPad, which has really supported my learning experience. And we have access to a printer. I don’t have to go to Staples! Everything is very accessible.
Does your MA program feel like a good fit?
It’s not just showing up; it’s a place where they really hear us. It’s like family there, and my instructor is like our mom. She makes me feel like I belong there, and how supportive she is to us, is just so incredible.
I have a very introverted personality so when we do presentations that helps build my confidence. Now, I’m also a mentor. There are three of us who help other students. It has helped crack my shell and made me feel more like I belong.
What is your greatest struggle in the MA program?
Final exams were harder to process and retain information in the beginning after not being in school for four years. Though it’s not as hard now as it was in the First Term. Now I’m more confident, know how to study better and am building on knowledge instead of everything being so new.
My instructor taught me some study techniques that helped. They provide everything and it’s pretty well organized. You just need to show up, listen in class, study. I’m proud to say thanks to all the help I have received I have a 4.0 GPA now and am on the President’s List.
What have you learned about yourself in this process?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. No matter where you come from or the path you’ve chosen, don’t be afraid to take that first step even if it’s scary. Just be willing to show up and have a bigger vision of yourself.
Do you have family support at home?
Alex (husband) has been my support through all these decisions. He was there and helped me through the enrollment process and all the important steps. He is the primary supporter. He at times makes food for us, helps me study with flashcards and wants me to just focus on studying. Genuine support from him and his encouragement have truly been helpful.
At the same time, he’s in school, too. He will earn his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering next spring.
What kinds of sacrifices have you had to make to commit to this medical program?
Sleepless nights, family dinners, birthdays. But I know my family believes in me and the dream I have for myself. They want to see me chasing that dream.
What is your career vision?
I’ve been seeing myself in the medical field since I was a little girl. This is what I wanted to be, and I felt it in my heart. I want to someday be a dermatologist so I will continue my education, get a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, but for now, I will take it slow.
I will always look up to the people, like doctors, who provide comfort and kindness to people who need it. That’s where I want to be.
Any regrets about the career path you’ve chosen?
No I don’t believe so, I’m still growing and learning. Some people have a different vision of what success looks like. For me, success isn’t just getting the job; it’s becoming someone I’m proud of; proving I’m capable of more than I might have ever imagined.
