Grad Q&A with Clinical Medical Assisting graduate Yennifer Jacobo

Ten years ago, Yennifer Jacobo went straight from high school graduation into SJVC’s Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) program in Modesto. She had no doubts about her career direction. But one month in, she had to drop out. She and her husband, Noel, found out they were going to be parents and a subsequent move out of the area cut short her career education plans. Their son, Isaac, was born and three years later their daughter, Aliyah, completed their little family.

Over the next 7-years Yennifer put aside her childhood dream of working in the medical field to work full-time as a housekeeper in her mom, Isabel’s business.

But the dream of a profession taking care of others in a medical environment never quite left her.

Why did you never let go of your medical career ambitions?

Since I was young, I loved the medical field. Seeing all the instruments medical people used was very interesting to me. I felt like being a Medical Assistant was a great way to get into the medical field and kind of experience everything.

Why SJVC and why now?

I just asked myself, ‘Do I really want to be cleaning houses for the rest of my life?’ That’s what inspired me!

I always knew if I went back to school, it would be SJVC. The CMA (Clinical Medical Assisting) certificate program (can be completed in as few as) 9-months and includes an externship (on-the-job training with participating medical facilities). But I did look around for something a little closer (to home) and nothing convinced me. Nope, I’m going back to SJVC.

What were your biggest challenges?

Managing a full-time job and commuting 50 minutes to and from school was, at times, overwhelming and stressful. My body was tired, but my heart and mind were dedicated to achieving my goals and completing my program.

I was not discouraged, but I was tired.

How did you make it work going to school Mon-Thu, 5:30–10:15 pm?

I had the best support from my family. My husband helped me out so much with the kids, homework and around the house. He worked at night so when I got home from work, he’d have dinner ready, we would eat, then I’d drop the kids off at my mom’s and wouldn’t get back home until 11:45 at night. It was challenging. There were times I thought there’s so much more ahead of me before I finish. Even now, I can’t believe that I did it.

Making the decision to take that step into enrolling and furthering my career was one of the best decisions I have made.

What kept you going?

I would tell myself, ‘Don’t give up because there is an end. This is not forever.’ There are other people out there who go through a lot, and they still keep going; they don’t give up. I can do that, too.

If we want something in life, we can’t just sit there and wait for it to come to us. We have to get up, look for it and work hard until we get it.

Did you get the support you needed at school?

I am forever grateful to Ms. Melody, my instructor who was there for me since Day One. If we didn’t understand something, she would make sure we did before moving to the next subject. She would not only teach us what we needed from the book, she would also use her experience to give us advice, like if you don’t feel comfortable or aren’t growing in a workplace, it will still be experience for the next place that will fit better.

And Victoria Krayna, my Career Services Advisor, pushed me into finding a great job and not settling for anything less than what I wanted. She was always on top of me to do my resume and job applications. Any time I had a job interview she would give me examples of things I could tell them and guide me through so I wouldn’t be nervous.

What connected for you in the Clinical Medical Assisting program?

I felt like this was where I was supposed to be. Everything medical was so new to me, like the medical terminology, but the whole class learned together. That’s what I loved about it.

My GPA was great. Even though I got home late, I wouldn’t go to sleep without doing something extra, reading or homework. I don’t think there was one module that I didn’t end with an A.

What advice would you give to students who might struggle to complete their education?

I would just say, ‘Don’t quit!’. When you get to the end, it’s amazing. When I got my certificate in the mail I thought, ‘I worked so hard for this and now I have it in my hands!’

You locked in your first job right after you completed the Clinical Medical Assisting program. Good fit?

I think the environment I’m in is amazing, honestly (Castle Family Health Center). Right now, I’m split between two specialties: OB-GYN and Behavioral Health. I’m in the perfect spot because I’m getting a glimpse of both medical areas.

I love everything about it and everything I’m learning.  And the other MAs (Medical Assistants) make you feel so welcome. I have so little experience and they’re there for me all the time, checking on me and making sure I feel good about what I’m doing. But they let me do what I have to do on my own.

What are some of your position responsibilities?

If I’m in OB-GYN I set up everything for the doctor in the exam room, prepare the patient for her exam, PAP, or ultrasound. I get to know patients and keep up with their pregnancy and see some of them weekly. It’s almost like family.

The behavioral health side is a whole different specialty and I feel good about what I’m doing. I am the only Medical Assistant for the psychiatrists there.

What does your future hold?

Working as a Medical Assistant is a great way to get into the medical field and kind of see everything. Then I can continue my education in a specialty.

The first thing my employer asked me was ‘Are you open to advancing your position?’ They will invest in my advancement and provide professional support with classes needed to go higher in this facility. I feel so blessed with this job.

Right now, I just want to learn as much as I can, get all the experience I can and just see when and where I will continue with my education.