From Airport Security to the Medical Field: How Zasia Bryant Turned Determination into a Healthcare Career
When Zasia Bryant first saw a Propel America ad while scrolling on Instagram, she was working in security at Newark Airport, and looking for a new path. She wanted to continue her education and build a career, but every option she explored seemed too expensive or out of reach.
“I couldn’t really find a program that wasn’t expensive,” Zasia recalls. “Then I saw Propel, clicked the ad, signed up, and someone reached out to me. That’s how it all started.”
That one click changed everything.
“It wasn’t easy. I was working full time, doing my externship, and moving to a new place at the same time. But I was determined to finish.”
Balancing Work, Life, and Learning
Once accepted into Propel, Zasia was struck by how organized the program was. She was given a clear weekly schedule outlining her class times, skills labs, and externship commitments. For someone managing a demanding job with long hours, that structure mattered.
She negotiated with her employer to adjust her shifts, freeing up her Tuesdays and Thursdays for Propel. Later, when her externship required full-time hours from 9–5, she went the extra mile by switching to overnight shifts.
“It wasn’t easy. I was working full time, doing my externship, and moving to a new place at the same time. But I was determined to finish.”
Her determination stood out — not only to her coaches at Propel, but also to her classmates, who watched her balance multiple responsibilities without giving up.
Hands-On Learning That Builds Confidence
Like many Fellows, Zasia found parts of the academic coursework challenging. She worked hard to remain engaged in the online classes. But what really made a difference was the hands-on training in the skills lab.
“Our skills lab teacher was amazing — she was hands-on, she broke things down, and she explained everything clearly,” Zasia says.
The skills labs allowed her to practice real-world tasks, gain confidence, and prepare for externship placement. And when transportation or finances became obstacles, Propel’s support systems — from stipends to Uber rides — ensured she could stay on track.
“The stipend helped me cover transportation, food, whatever I needed. It gave me one less thing to worry about.”
From Training to Career
After months of training, Zasia began her externship at the RWJ Barnabas ENT department in Newark. It was her first opportunity to see the medical field up close and apply everything she had learned.
That externship later became a bridge to her current career. “Two of my classmates were hired there, and when a position opened up, they gave the manager my name. I came back, interviewed, and got the job.”
Before landing at RWJ, Zasia also gained experience working at the Newark Health Department as a medical assistant. But joining RWJ felt like a full-circle moment, since it was the very site where she completed her externship.
Today, she supports procedures, completes patient intake, assists with stocking exam rooms, and helps the department run smoothly. She closes each day after all the doctors have finished their appointments, making her a crucial part of the team’s daily operations.
Facing Challenges — and Growing Through Them
“Coach Hassan made sure we stayed on track. He kept us accountable, pushed us to finish paperwork on time, and reminded us of our goals. He really wanted to see us succeed.”
For Zasia, the journey wasn’t without challenges. The academics were demanding, her schedule was exhausting, and at times, the lack of coordination between online instructors and skills lab leaders made things harder.
“There were times when our teachers weren’t on the same page,” she recalls. “But in the end, the skills lab was where I really gained the confidence I needed.”
Her Propel coach, Hassan Munford, also played a vital role.
“He made sure we stayed on track. He kept us accountable, pushed us to finish paperwork on time, and reminded us of our goals. He really wanted to see us succeed.”
Looking Ahead
Zasia’s journey doesn’t stop here. Her ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse, and RWJ is helping her make that dream possible through tuition reimbursement.
“Propel was a stepping stone,” she reflects. “It was free, it gave me the entryway into the medical field, and it connected me to a great employer with opportunities to grow.”
RWJ’s benefits, including tuition reimbursement and multiple locations, mean she has the chance to build a long-term career while continuing her education. For Zasia, what once felt impossible now feels within reach.
Propel Support That Helped Zasia Succeed
Structured Schedule → Clear class and lab times made balancing work possible
Stipends → Helped cover transportation, food, and daily expenses
Transportation Support → Uber rides available when needed
Hands-On Skills Labs → Built confidence through real-world practice
Coaching → One-on-one support kept her accountable and motivated
Career Connections → Externship led directly to her job at RWJ
Advice for Future Fellows
For anyone just beginning their Propel journey, Zasia offers simple but powerful advice:
“If this is something that you really want to do, finish it. Don’t start and give up. It’s worth it in the end.”
She completed the nine-month program while working full time and relocating to another residence — and her story proves that determination and support can make all the difference.
From airport security to the medical field, Zasia Bryant is a shining example of how opportunity and hard work can open the door to a meaningful, rewarding career.
Interested in becoming a Propel Fellow like Zasia?
Learn more and start your application at www.propelamerica.org.
Apply now: https://www.propelamerica.org/apply
