Ashleigh Solano graduated from the Medical Assisting program at the 黑料不打烊, Las Vegas campus in August of 2024. She was nominated for the graduate spotlight by her instructor, Jacqueline Edwards (鈥淢iss Jackie鈥� to her students).
鈥淚 remember her starting in class, excited and eager to learn,鈥� Ms. Edwards shared. 鈥淪he quickly became a mentor in term three. What inspired me the most during her program was that when she was faced with some extreme challenges at home, she never quit. She has since found her own place, graduated, and landed a great job in the field.鈥�
Ashleigh loved her time in the program, and she still visits Ms. Edwards once a week鈥攕till helping to inspire and motivate current students.
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What did you do before enrolling in the Medical Assisting program at 黑料不打烊?
I was working at T Mobile in the business and government section. I worked with major corporation accounts, such as Colorado State University. I was one of the key points of contact to support customers, to troubleshoot, and keep things running smoothly.
What made you want to study Medical Assisting?
I really wanted to be an RN鈥擨鈥檓 a little older than the typical student, so I decided to test the waters and see if I even liked the medical field. I鈥檓 a very hands-on parent and being there for my kids is important to me, so I spoke to my oldest child to see what he thought about me starting school. He was really supportive.
How was your experience in the program? What did you like most, and what was most challenging?
I loved it鈥攁nd a big part of that is because I had a great teacher, Miss Jackie. She was so caring and involved with her students, and I felt I could go to her for anything. That is what got me through the program. There were times when I went to her when I felt I couldn鈥檛 do it. I鈥檓 so glad I did, because she talked me through it and encouraged me to stay. She said, 鈥淵ou are already halfway through鈥eep going! Look at the example you are setting for your kids.鈥� She wrangled me in and really opened my eyes. She was so supportive and kind. I still visit her often and share what鈥檚 going on in my life.
Another great part of the program was that I bonded a lot with classmates. We were there for each other, we had baby showers and potlucks, we all just looked out for one another. They could tell when things weren鈥檛 going well or when I wasn鈥檛 myself, and they stepped in. I was a mentor for almost my whole time there, and I helped advocate for other students. I have no problem asking hard questions, and I try to be understanding.
My favorite part of the program itself, though, was the networking. I loved meeting people and becoming close to doctors, helping Miss Jackie, mentoring鈥攖hose things. I also enjoyed the medical field, but it was the connections I loved most of all.
I was working full time, 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., then off to class in the evenings, in person, Tuesday-Thursday. I was also a team mom for my son鈥檚 football team. And even on the days or hours I was not in class鈥攅very day something was due, so I was constantly studying or preparing for class. Having so much to do each day was a challenge, but I had great support at school and from my family.
Where do you work now, and what do you do?
I work at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Center. I work at the front desk, helping to check people in and out and answering their questions. We do filler, Botox, and offer other cosmetic services. We also sell skin care products.
What do you like most about your job?
The thing I like most is that I get to learn about dermatology鈥擨 have a personal interest in learning about skin because I have dealt with skin issues myself. I love that I get to learn so much about what Botox can do beyond the cosmetic benefits. Botox can treat headaches, teeth clenching, and excessive sweating, for example鈥攖hat can be life-changing for people, and I love that.
What are your plans for furthering your education?
I still want to be an RN, but I know myself, and going back to school for two years straight won鈥檛 work for me. So, I鈥檓 planning on working toward it in steps鈥擨 am going back for my associate degree in Health Studies, that鈥檚 a (in as few as) seven-month program, so I鈥檒l complete it in February. From there I will work toward my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. I still want to be part of my kids鈥� lives, want to be available for them鈥攕o working toward my RN this way makes the most sense for me.
Do you have any advice for people who are about to enroll, or those who are just beginning the Medical Assisting program?听
I would just say, go with your gut feeling鈥攁nd just take the leap of faith. It鈥檚 never too late. I worked with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) who became an NP in her 50s. It鈥檚 never too late to start a new career.
For those just enrolled in the program, my advice is: don鈥檛 stress yourself out. Find someone who is open and understanding, that you can confide in, or someone who has been through it, and embrace their support and wisdom.
