AGE: 26
POSITION: Medical assistant
EMPLOYER: NorthShore
Kierra is a young mother and healthcare professional who hasn't followed a typical linear path.
Like many young people, she struggled with finding direction after graduating from high school and found herself jumping from job to job. Eventually, she discovered an interest in healthcare and enrolled in YJC’s healthcare career pathway program, where she received industry-specific career coaching and was connected with a Paid Work Experience at NorthShore.
That Paid Work Experience was a blessing in more ways than one: The team at NorthShore was so impressed with Kierra’s ability and work ethic, and was in such need for staff due to the pandemic, that they hired Kierra as a medical assistant despite her not having a certification. Kierra was thrilled—“I got the job I’ve always wanted!”—and has now worked there for two years.
During that time, YJC has coached her through the ups and downs of her first career-level job. “The best thing about my whole experience is sticking with this job even when it’s hard,” she says. In addition to the general adjustment to working life, more mundane obstacles can often prevent young people from being able to stick with a job they care about, so Kierra’s YJC support team has made sure she has everything she needs to succeed—including uniform assistance when she needs scrubs and shoes, gas cards and bus cards to get to and from work as needed, and support with daycare fees for her child.
Kierra’s independence is steadily growing, thanks to both her increasing financial health and the strong life skills she’s been learning along the way. She shares, “I've learned discipline, getting along with others, and money management with paying rent, paying daycare fees, and paying my car note and insurance.”
Now that Kierra has not only landed a job in her preferred industry but gotten some longer-term stability, she’s setting new goals. Next on her list: earning that medical assistant certification, which will qualify her for a salary increase. YJC is helping her prepare for the exam, with tutoring from YJC’s healthcare volunteers in the works.
All in all, it’s been an immensely valuable experience, launching Kierra forth both professionally and personally. “This job has transitioned me from a young adult to a woman,” she says. “[It’s] the best opportunity I’ve come across, and I had to run with it.”
Kierra’s admirable willingness to try new things and to stick with the ones she cares about have helped her find success, and we’re thrilled to help support her as she reaches new heights.
