Graduate Profiles

“Everest's program taught me the skills required to be a medical assistant; the faculty provided the support I needed to succeed.”

Lucelia "Lucy" Mondragon was selected as the 2010 Dream Award winner for her campus. The recognition was well deserved.

Lucy's teen years were difficult. She gave birth to her first child at 15, and by 16, she left home. She worked at various jobs, including some time spent as a hospice caretaker. While in that role, she was reminded of the midwife who helped her through her first pregnancy. Lucy decided that she wanted a career where she could comfort others through difficult situations, as the midwife had done for her.

She got married and had two more children before deciding - with her husband's wholehearted support - to pursue the Medical Assistant program at Everest.

While taking Medical Assistant courses, Lucy continued to work full-time while also caring for her three children and serving as a student ambassador - a peer mentor. As an ambassador, Lucy was responsible for organizing the school's first blood drive and recruiting other student ambassadors to participate in the event.

Lucy graduated in 2010 and now works at Providence Gateway Clinic, which specializes in obstetrics. She has found the work so rewarding that she plans to become a nurse midwife. Her goal is to one day deliver her own grandchildren.

“It feels great to be working at Pep Boys. Every day is a new challenge because each customer is unique.” - Cesar

“WyoTech prepared me for my current job. Once we've gotten enough experience, Cesar and I hope to open our own automotive repair shop.” - Kimberly

Cesar Quintero has always had a passion for cars. He can easily name his favorite model: the 1949 Mercury Coupe. A few years ago, Cesar had been laid off from his job at a refinery and his wife Kimberly had given birth to two sons back to back. Their family was living with Cesar's father when the couple formed a plan to pursue careers in the automotive industry. After researching various programs, Cesar and Kimberly enrolled at WyoTech.

Once at WyoTech, the couple maintained good grades and became EagleTech ambassadors - mentors to other students. Their instructors were impressed by the couple's commitment to succeed and their participation in campus activities.

Cesar credits his wife's support and their shared goals for his persistence. They studied together and graduated at the same time.

After graduation, Cesar was immediately hired at Pep Boys as an express service technician. Not long after, Kimberly started at the same shop as a service advisor.

Kimberly and Cesar are using the skills they gained at WyoTech. Employed in the field they love, the couple is working toward the day when they can open their own automotive business.

“My dad taught me that education is a key to a better life and now I am living proof of that.”

Pamela was raised in Chicago's Cabrini Green, one of the most notorious public housing projects in the country. She faced nearly impossible odds growing up, including a drug-addicted mother, teen pregnancies and homelessness. But Pamela did have at least one thing going for her: a passion to learn. She graduated from high school with honors, and knew that education was the key to a better life.

After the birth of her third daughter at age 18, Pamela tried nursing school, but dropped out. A few years later, she enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at Everest and was determined to finish. Although her struggles continued - domestic violence and homelessness - she graduated, passed her state exam and obtained her license. That same year, Pamela was named Corinthian's 2009 Dream Award winner in honor of her educational achievement in the face of tremendous obstacles.

Today, Pamela works as a licensed practical nurse in a primary care clinic.

“I was out of school for three years and I had my doubts, but I enrolled at Everest and earned my diploma in dental assisting. I couldn't have made a better choice; my opportunities are endless.”

After graduating from high school, Carolyn worked as a clerk at a local grocery store. Soon after, she was promoted to the store?s meat department and worked there for three years. But as she watched many of her friends finish college and start their careers, she grew restless. She wanted more out of life.

Carolyn first learned about Everest through a television commercial. Inspired by the graduate testimonials in the ads, she visited the nearest Everest campus, spoke with an admissions representative and took a tour of the campus. She decided to enroll in a nine-month Dental Assistant diploma program. Once in school, she felt motivated by her instructors, earned top grades and completed her program. As part of her studies, Carolyn completed a one-month externship at a local pediatric dentist's office. Upon graduation, that same office hired her as a full-time dental assistant.

Carolyn loves her new career and is now making plans to become a dental hygienist.

“WyoTech was something I had to do and I'm a better man because of it.”

Years ago, Keyon and his best friend made a pact to be better men than their fathers were. When his friend died unexpectedly, Keyon recognized the brevity of life and the importance of focusing his energies. Since then, he has been on a mission to keep the pact he made with his friend.

Keyon decided to honor his friend, who had been a journeyman electrician, by following in his footsteps. He enrolled in WyoTech's Electrician program and thrived. He excelled academically and continued to provide for his family by working a full-time job. Keyon graduated in December 2008, is working and making plans to open an eco-friendly electrical business. Today, he is not only fulfilling the pact he made with his friend, but he?s also being a positive role model for his son.

“My Heald education was the right stepping stone. It opened the door to a field in which I want to stay and grow.”

A few years ago, Veronica Garza was working in retail and attending a local community college. She enjoyed her classes, but felt she was spending too much time on general education requirements. With a young son to support, Veronica decided to focus on a program that would lead directly to a career. That led her to Heald's Rancho Cordova campus and its Medical Insurance Billing and Coding (MIBC) program. She found the curriculum to be well- designed with clearly identified goals and timelines. Veronica appreciated the real-world experience of her instructors and support of her classmates. She also found that a combination of coursework and career placement assistance was the right formula for her.

"I am very organized so I plan my schedule well in advance. If I have to sacrifice a few hours of sleep to spend time with my son and complete my assignments, that's what I do." Veronica's hard work paid off. She graduated in 2008, and Heald's career placement staff helped her find a position in a medical office where she continues to work today. Veronica is now working toward a bachelor's degree in health care administration.

“I wasn’t able to do the things I wanted to for my children. My Everest education gave me the financial independence to do those things, but more importantly, it gave me my dignity back.”

Charmaine was a single parent, struggling with personal issues and a series of dead-end jobs.

At a crossroads, she was inspired by Everest’s advertising and decided to enroll in the school’s Medical Insurance Billing and Coding program. While at Everest, Charmaine bonded with her instructors and was such an exemplary student that she was selected to be an Ambassador – a mentor to other students. She completed her program and graduated in nine months.

Today, Charmaine is a payment posting representative with a leading national physician group practice. Her sense of accomplishment has given her the self-confidence to provide for her family and take life’s challenges in stride.

“I needed to make a career move, not just get a job. I love working hard and don’t mind competition. My WyoTech instructors were a major influence in my success.”

Ashley grew up around motorcycles and helped her dad fix vintage cars, so enrolling at WyoTech was a natural step for her. As one of the few women in the industry, Ashley wasn’t sure she would be taken seriously as an automotive technician. But a 4.0 GPA, perfect attendance and high praise from her instructors left no doubt that she was destined for a great career. Less than a year after Ashley graduated from WyoTech, she was hired as a Technician Apprentice for a Ferrari dealership. She now has the career of her dreams working on high-end vehicles most people only dream of driving.

“Everest was my home away from home. Because of the
school and the encouragement of my instructors, I am
officially a member of the professional dental field.”

Kenneth's interest in dentistry began the day he had his wisdom teeth pulled. Many people are terrified by the procedure, but not Kenneth. He was fascinated by what he saw in the reflection of the dentist's mirror. Soon after, Kenneth quit his job as a security guard to pursue a career in the dental field.

He surveyed a number of schools, but felt Everest was the place for him. The faculty and staff were friendly and the hands-on learning environment, including the opportunity to practice on actual patients rather than sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture, made the decision an easy one.

Kenneth received his dental assistant diploma and currently works in an orthodontist's office, the same office where he completed his externship. He graduated last July and has returned to school to earn a bachelor's degree in health care management. His goal is to own a medical building and rent office space to health care practitioners.

“You can always come back and ask questions;
I'm connected for life!”

The day Regina was laid off from her job as a notary turned out to be one of the best of her life. She was bored with notary work and the layoff gave her the push she needed to go back to school and pursue a new career. Regina knew that she enjoyed helping people and was intrigued when the admissions rep at Everest suggested a training program in massage therapy.

From the first day, Regina enjoyed being back in school. She got along well with her fellow students and felt motivated by her instructor, Ms. Myrick. Regina forged a close friendship with Ms. Myrick, who not only had real life experience as a massage therapist but also inspired Regina to be successful.

Regina graduated in May of 2008 with a diploma in massage therapy. She is currently a massage therapist at a chiropractor's office, helping patients relieve pain. Regina regularly visits Everest to see Ms. Myrick and to talk with new students about how the program helped her prepare for a rewarding career.