Isabelle
Isabelle is a young adult who entered the McHenry County Workforce Network Youth Program in December of 2022. Prior to entering the program, Isabelle had been working as an Activities Assistant at a nursing home. She enjoyed the helping nature of the work and interacting with the residents and wanted to find a career where she could utilize these strengths. Isabelle had expressed interest in starting classes at McHenry County College in the spring 2023 semester but felt overwhelmed and was unsure of what she would like to study and where to even begin.
During the early meetings with her career planner at the McHenry County Workforce Network, Isabelle’s compassionate demeanor was clear. Even though her past employment could be stressful, it was clear that she was interested in helping people. After exploring career options, Isabelle decided that she would like to pursue training in the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at McHenry County College. With the help of her career planner, Isabelle was able to enroll in the program in time for the spring 2023 semester and began her training utilizing WIOA assistance.
While she was in training for a Medical Assistant position, Isabelle also began a new job as a Customer Service Representative for a local hospital. Balancing her hours at work with her classroom and clinical demands showed that Isabelle was dedicated to completing her program successfully. Through lots of hard work, Isabelle was able to complete her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program and passed her NHA certification exam in the fall of 2023. With her new credentials, Isabelle soon found a job as a Medical Assistant in a cardiac specialty clinic. However, Isabelle began to feel that this setting was not the right fit for her as it did not allow her to utilize her skills and strengths to the fullest.
Isabelle persevered at a time when she could have easily questioned her decision to invest time and energy into her training program. Although her first Medical Assistant position was not the right one for her, she endured and found a new job in a psychiatric clinic. This position allows Isabelle to shine every day, with her compassion and ability to connect with her patients being celebrated by her employer. The McHenry County Workforce Network was there to help Isabelle when she needed direction along the way, but her hard work and dedication along her journey have made her very successful in her new career as a Medical Assistant.