From Determination to Certification: Lucia Escobar’s Journey Through Propel America’s Medical Assistant Program
A Chance Encounter with a Life-Changing Opportunity
When Lucia Escobar went searching for a job online, she had no idea her search would lead her to a life-changing opportunity. A 25-year-old mother of two young boys in Los Angeles, Lucia was working part-time as a behavior therapy assistant in elementary schools and often taking on substitute assignments just to make ends meet. She was looking for a way to provide more for her family.
She found a listing for a medical assistant job opening. But when she was contacted for an interview, she learned it wasn’t what she was expecting: it wasn’t an immediate job, it was a training program. Tuition-free. Completely online. With the opportunity for certification and coaching support.
At first, Lucia was unsure. “That’s not what I was looking for,” she recalled. “But I said, ‘You know what? I’ll give it a try.’” It turned out to be the best decision she could have made.
“I’m proof that Propel America’s medical assistant fellowship program is doable. I got certified while being a mom of two very active boys. If you really want it, you’ll push to get it done.”
A Long Road Back to Healthcare
Lucia wasn’t new to the idea of becoming a medical assistant. She had enrolled in an MA program back in 2020 while pregnant with her first son. Just as she was about to begin her externship, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. With her baby due any day, Lucia was unable to complete the program. She tried again months later, but balancing newborn care with coursework and breastfeeding proved too difficult. She stepped away—disappointed, but not defeated.
Years later, Propel America offered her a third chance. “I felt like it was meant to be,” she said. “This was just in my path.” Though she knew it wouldn’t be easy—raising two children, working part-time, and taking classes—Lucia was determined not to let this opportunity slip away again.
Learning on Her Own Terms
One of the biggest reasons Lucia succeeded this time was because Propel’s program was online. It gave her the flexibility to build her schedule around her family’s needs. “That helped me a lot as a mom and as a working mother,” she said. Lucia became a master of multitasking—listening to her lessons on her phone while driving to work, studying at night while her kids slept, and jotting down notes from every reading. She even leveraged her phone’s text-to-speech feature to absorb lessons during commutes or chores.
“There were times I fell behind,” Lucia admitted. “But that’s okay—as long as you catch up. That’s what made this program doable. I went at my own pace.” That flexibility, combined with her fierce determination, made the difference.
Coaching That Went Beyond
Throughout the program, Lucia had support—not just from her family, but from her Propel coach, Stella. “She was always there,” Lucia said. “She listened to my challenges, my worries, and even my small victories.” When Lucia hit roadblocks or had technical questions, Stella was quick to respond or find the answers. “Even when she didn’t know something offhand, she always followed up. I never felt alone.”
For Lucia, having someone in her corner made the experience feel personal and encouraging. It wasn’t just about completing coursework—it was about being seen, supported, and believed in.
“My Propel Coach Stella Pascual was always there. She listened to my challenges, my worries, and even my small victories. I never felt alone.”
Externship Success—and a Glimpse of the Future
Lucia’s externship was, in her words, “the best externship ever.” She quickly stood out at her placement site, praised for being a fast learner and even trusted to demonstrate procedures like blood draws and injections to other students. “They said I was a model extern,” she shared proudly.
That experience affirmed her decision to pursue a career in healthcare. At first, Lucia joined Banj Health Center in Compton, CA. In this role, she served a diverse population in women’s health, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The position was only part-time, so it didn’t meet her needs, but it gave her the hands-on experience and confidence to apply elsewhere—and she just began a full-time Medical Assistant role at El Puerto Health Clinic, a primary care clinic in a medically underserved community just blocks from her home and her children’s school.
“Right now, I feel financially stable. I’m so grateful I kept going with this program,” Lucia said. “And the bonus is—I love what I do.”
Looking Ahead: Bigger Dreams, New Goals
Lucia isn’t stopping here. With her certification in hand and experience under her belt, she’s already planning her next move: becoming a registered nurse. She’s researching Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, learning about scholarships, and setting goals to apply in the next year or so.
“I’m doing my homework before jumping in,” she said, “but I know I want to keep going. I don’t plan to leave healthcare. This is what I love.”
Advice to Future Applicants: “If You Want It, Go for It”
Lucia’s advice to anyone considering Propel America’s Medical Assistant program is simple: don’t let fear hold you back.
“This program is too good of an opportunity to miss,” she said. “It’s tuition-free. It’s online. You get a laptop. You get support. You can do it at your own pace. You don’t get opportunities like this every day.”
She knows life gets in the way—kids get sick, work gets busy, motivation wavers. But she also knows that with enough determination, it’s possible to overcome those hurdles. “I’m proof that it’s doable,” she said. “I got certified while being a mom of two very active boys. If you really want it, you’ll push to get it done.”
A Final Word: Compassion, Commitment, and Purpose
Lucia’s story is more than just one of professional advancement—it’s one of personal growth, resilience, and purpose. She sees her role in healthcare as more than a job; it’s a calling. “Even if I became a billionaire overnight, I’d still be doing this work,” she said. “I love helping people. I love being part of their care. This is where I’m meant to be.”
And thanks to her determination—and a little help from Propel America—she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.
Interested in becoming a Propel Fellow like Lucia?
Learn more and start your application at www.propelamerica.org.
Apply now: https://www.propelamerica.org/apply
