[Clinton, N.C.] – Throughout the past two months, Sampson Community College (SCC) has worked to highlight graduating Foundation scholars– students who have received one or more scholarships from the SCC Foundation. The final story in the series for 2024, Yenni de Jesus Calderon-Olguin is a Medical Assisting (MA) student who recently received the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Scholarship for 23-24.
Graduating from Lakewood High School in 2022, Olguin began taking courses at SCC during her senior year through the Career & College Promise (CCP) program. Encouraged by her guidance counselor to enroll in CCP, Olguin remarked that her sister introduced the MA program to her, as she was also planning to pursue healthcare.
She recalled, “When I first started at SCC, I felt good about where I was at. I heard about Medical Assisting program from my older sister, since she was looking for a career in the medical field. When I entered the program, I just knew that I was in the correct one, and I sure was very proud of the choice I had made. I always dreamed of being a part of the healthcare field.”
According to Olguin, she is a first-generation college graduate on both sides of her family, both maternal and paternal. A child of U.S. immigrants, she remarked that through earning her Associate in Applied Science degree in May, she hopes to make her parents proud and set a “good example” for her younger siblings, letting them truly see that “anything is possible.”
“I would like to thank my family,” Olguin expressed, “Especially for believing in me and supporting me in any way they could. My parents came to the US from Mexico with nothing, but gave their all to make sure their children got an education- something they could not afford to get due to financial complications. I cannot thank my parents enough.”
Continuing her thanks, Olguin also voiced her gratitude to her significant other and Hilda Dominquez, an “outstanding role model” who was always there to “life, support, and believe” in her every step of the way. However, she especially wanted to mention Misti Wood, Department Chair of Medical Assisting, and Emily Avery, Medical Assisting Instructor, who both made a tremendous impact on her life.
Olguin stated, “The one person who influenced and helped me greatly throughout my career was Mrs. Misti Wood. There were many times that I wanted to give up, but Mrs. Wood would always encourage and motivate me to keep going. I am so grateful for all she has done for me. And I also want to thank Mrs. Emily Avery, my other medical instructor, she is such a sweet, caring, and motivating person. I appreciate them both and they will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
During the 2023-2024 academic year, Olguin applied for scholarships via the SCC Foundation and was awarded the Kiwanis Club of Clinton Scholarship. Formerly the Mr. Francis B. Fussell Scholarship, the award was established in memory of Mr. Fussell, a prominent restauranteur and outstanding, dedicated Kiwanian. Its purpose is to assist deserving students in their educational pursuits at SCC.
Olguin recalled, “I felt incredibly lucky to be on the right path to living my dream thanks to the scholarships I received. Coming from a low-income family, these scholarships assisted me in many ways in my educational journey. Helped me to be able to purchase my books and other supplies I needed to pursue in my career. They motivated me to do good in college and pushed me to work hard.”
Having graduated in May during SCC’s Spring commencement, Olguin plans to enter healthcare field immediately, serving as a MA in the local community. To Olguin, the program has truly prepared her for a successful career as a healthcare professional. Though instruction with hands-on procedures such as drawing blood, administering injections, and taking vital signs, Olguin developed the essential skills and knowledge needed to prosper as a MA— even looking to become a traveling MA in the future.
She mentioned, “I genuinely enjoyed my experience in the Medical Assisting program. I learned so, so many things. I developed a variety of clinical and administrative skills and gained knowledge in many areas such as pharmacology and medical terminology. I plan to succeed in my career as a healthcare professional. I will set myself to always serve my patients as I was taught to and provide them with comfort and support.”
Overall, Olguin noted that she would definitely recommend SCC to other prospective students hoping to pursue a career in MA, because it’s truly a “great place that offers great opportunities.”
“My experience at SCC taught me that just because one does not attend a four-year college does not mean that they will not get the right education,” she closed. “It is a great place that offers great opportunities. I 100% believe that attending SCC has been and will be very well worth it!”
Sampson CC very proud of Yenni for her accomplishments at the College thus far. The Foundation loves seeing the impact scholarships have on students and looks forward to seeing all she will continue to do in the healthcare field and throughout her education.
The deadline to apply for scholarships each year is April 15. Over 100 opportunities are available with just one application. Apply today at www.sampsoncc.edu/scholarships.
For more information about the SCC Foundation, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
