My Story

Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, I always looked up to my family for inspiration. My mom, a nurse practitioner, and my older sister, a cosmetologist, were both strong role models in their own unique ways. My sister’s passion for fashion and beauty had a big influence on me, and for much of my childhood, I thought I’d follow in her footsteps. But life has a way of steering us in unexpected directions, and my path took a turn during high school.

Listening to my mom talk about her experiences as a nurse practitioner sparked a curiosity in me that I couldn’t ignore. She worked in primary care before transitioning to urgent care, and her stories about being at the center of her patients’ health and managing their care fascinated me. I found myself captivated by the variety of cases she handled and the difference she made in her patients' lives. That’s when I realized I wanted to make a similar impact—just not in the beauty industry as I had once thought.

To explore my newfound interest, I decided to try my hand at medicine by working as a medical assistant while pursuing my education. It wasn’t easy to juggle part-time work and full-time studies, but I was determined to test the waters and see if healthcare was truly where I belonged. Over the next six years, I gained experience in family medicine, urgent care, and general surgery, working in outpatient clinics and stepping in wherever I was needed. These rotations exposed me to different specialties, helping me build a well-rounded understanding of patient care.

Throughout my time as a medical assistant, I took every opportunity to shadow the physicians I worked alongside. I paid close attention to how they interacted with patients, made decisions, and handled complex cases. This hands-on learning was invaluable, solidifying my decision to pursue further education as a physician assistant. I knew that to become the best PA I could be, I needed to understand the full spectrum of patient care—and my time as a medical assistant has provided the perfect foundation.

In addition to my work experience, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, balancing the demands of school and work to achieve my goals. This degree not only deepened my knowledge of science and medicine but also reinforced my commitment to continuous learning.

While my career aspirations are rooted in healthcare, my upbringing in the countryside has kept me grounded. I’ve always loved riding horses, exploring on ATVs, and embracing the simple joys of rural life. At the same time, my sister’s influence still shines through in my love for beauty treatments like hair and nails—it’s a fun way to stay connected to the creative side of my personality.

Today, as an Associate Writer for The Certified MA Guide, I’m passionate about sharing my journey and experiences with others. I understand what it’s like to balance work, school, and career aspirations, and I hope to inspire other medical assistants to dream big and keep learning. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to take the next step, I want to be a resource for you, offering advice and encouragement along the way.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about where I’m headed. The lessons I’ve learned as a medical assistant and the experiences I’ve gained have prepared me to take the next step in my journey toward becoming a physician assistant. I’m grateful for the people who have inspired me—my mom, my sister, and the incredible providers I’ve worked with—and I hope to pay it forward by helping others find their place in healthcare.