At a time when many teenagers would be focusing on their studies and graduation, Isabella faced challenges that most adults would struggle to overcome. Just sixteen years old and in high school, her family left Venezuela with no support system and few resources. To support her family, Isabella put her education on hold and focused on working as many hours as she could. “Since I was 17, I just dedicated myself to working,” Isabella said. “I was supporting the house and doing everything I could.”

With their life in Venezuela becoming increasingly difficult, Isabella’s family moved to Peru and eventually obtained visas to come to the United States. For the first time in a long time, Isabella had the ability to think about more than just survival. Living in the U.S., she could turn her focus toward her career and education. Quickly, she enrolled in classes to learn her second language, English.

Then she turned her attention to her career development, where she hoped to fulfill her dreams of helping people in meaningful ways. “At first I wanted to study graphic design, something creative,” she said. “But I always felt this calling, like I wanted to do something that helped the community, something that gives me the feeling of doing something meaningful,” Isabella said.

That is when she discovered United Way Successful Students Impact Partner Goodwill Careers Academy and their Medical Assistant Program. Due to her family’s work schedule she had to arrive two hours early to every single class but she was determined to level up her career due to the hands-on skills training and immersive schedule that the program offered her.

“It felt different, more supportive and more complete,” Isabella said. “I didn’t have a car at the time but my dad believed in me and made sure I got there,” she added.

Isabella would go on to complete the program and earn certifications, including those as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), a Phlebotomist and an EKG Technician. She was even hired as a Medical Assistant at a local doctor’s office. “Now, I get to help people every day and that’s the dream,” Isabella says. She isn’t stopping there, as she will soon earn her associate’s degree with plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Today, Isabella has a full-time career in health care and is on her way to excelling in the medical field. She believes her biggest accomplishment is the progress she has made for her family. “My biggest goal is to help my family and give back to the community that gave so much to me,” she says. “I want to volunteer and help others like me to show people what is possible.”

Most of all, Isabella wants young adults and students in situations similar to hers to know that their struggles to achieve more will be worth it. “There will be obstacles in your way but there is always a way to find a solution and accomplish your goals,” she added. “You can do this. You got this. I did it, you can you,” Isabella said.

With support from United Way’s Successful Students Impact Partners, Isabella removed numerous barriers that stood in her way and is achieving the dreams she feared she would have to put on hold forever in her youth. United Way’s Successful Students Impact Area invests in programs that give students stable environments that are conducive to learning with engaged adults to support them.

When assisted in their academic and professional journeys, students can build a stronger foundation for their future.