STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
A Lesson in Overcoming Obstacles
In high school, Ana joined the speech and debate team and took AP classes. Helping her prepare for college, Ana participated in her high school’s Puente Program, which helps educationally disadvantaged students earn college degrees and return to the community as mentors and leaders. Ana became the first in her immediate family to graduate high school and attend college.
“We are the voice of the students,” Ana said.
Ana maintains a 4.0 GPA and is studying to become a medical assistant.
“Ana is a standout and true leader,” said Mr. Jerrell Lewis, instructor at Western Career College. She took on the responsibility of clinical coordinator and was responsible for setting up and running a full clinical experience, supervising 20 students during her clinical skills practical week.
“I love the hands-on work and being able to help people,” Ana said.
After graduation this month, Ana hopes to get a medical assisting externship. She wants to continue helping people by one day becoming a nurse at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland or Highland General Hospital in Oakland.
“She loves to succeed at everything she does,” said George Gilbert, medical assisting instructor at Western Career College. “She refuses to become another statistic.”
Not many people, especially young adults, overcome the obstacles Ana has. She is a true inspiration to thousands of students who are in similar situations and trying to come out on top.
