Offline
Background
Gender: Female
Religion: Spiritual
Location:
SAN MARCOS, California
United States
Work:
Seeking my dream job as a Medical Assistant for a large healthcare system (Kaiser or Scripps Health)or thriving Medical Practice in the North County of San Diego, CA.
Hometown(s):
Born in Brooklyn, NY, but lived in Northern California since early childhood. Relocated to Southern California in 2007.
Quote:
"To do a common thing, uncommonly well, brings success." Henry Heinz, 1876

My Journals (7)

This is my first week out of school and it's busy with personal interviews about my journey. One from an author in Oregon who's book is coming out in November and another from the local paper here where I live. It will be out next week. Both interviewers asked me to go back to my first job! Well, it takes about an hour to cover 40+ years!

Thank God for good memory, as I recall my career history starting in my early 20's.  These people are very kind as they listen to me speak about the mountaintops and valleys of my career and life. It feels a little strange to talk so much about oneself, but then that's what winning this contest is all about! Hope it touches someone!

I will keep everyone posted about my job search as there's activity in that arena too. Signing off from Sunny San Diego and I welcome  your comments!

Kalikat

Added: April 25, 2008
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Today marked the end of 8 months of studies in the Medical Assistant Course. I now need to move from Student Mode to Job Seeker Mode once again. I have mixed feelings about my "graduation". I really loved the teachers and fellow students as well as what I was learning. Working in the Medical Profession will give me a chance to pay back for what they do for millions of us!

If I didn't have to augment my income, I would have gone for a whole degree program. However, survival calls, so I'm planning my next steps. I'm very thankful for the amenities that this contest has given me, as it reminds one that we are on the right track.

I'm working on my strategy for the coming weeks/days and from the 2 interviews so far, I'm feeling excited and hopeful.

More later......

Added: April 17, 2008
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  When we are looking for our Dream Job, especially entering a new career field, it is imperative to establish and utilize our network. This can be family, friends, people at church, women in your club. Everyone knows someone that is in the Medical Profession and I’m thankful that my SoCal family is involved in one of my top choice Employers...Scripps Health.

Also, while interviewing, I’ve been asking for advice of next steps and asking total strangers to pass on my resume. I’m thinking if they are interested enough to contact me for an interview, then they may be interested in referring me, if that particular situation isn’t a fit.

I would like to hear from those that are trying this or who are attempting to break into a new career or industry.

Until nextime and enjoy your Springtime!

Kalikat

Added: April 6, 2008
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 Hello Everyone!

I wanted to share with you that I’ll be completing my training at the end of April and have started the interview process.

The feedback I’m getting is very positive. The Medical profession is looking for people who have had a well-rounded career and are enthusiastic about helping others as well as keeping themselves and others healthy. It also helps to have a winning smile and sincere desire. It’s very encouraging to know that I’m on the right track.

It’s never too late!

Kalikat

Added: March 12, 2008
Views: 390 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

 

Winning the AARP “My Dream Job” Contest
Upon reading about the nationwide contest in the October 2007 edition of the AARP Bulletin, I decided to write an essay to see if there was a chance that it would get noticed.
The essay was about my recent experience being downsized in Silicon Valley, losing both my parents and how I was lead to pursue a new direction in life. I shared my new venture as a student at the Medical Academy of Vista Adult School, Regional Occupational Program and how it was going to lead me to my new dream job as a Medical Assistant.
Late in December, I received an email that I was a finalist in this contest, but still didn’t think that I would actually win. I was asked by the national headquarters of the AARP to sign many release documents to use my essay and my personal information, and I cooperated.
Then, early in January, I was notified that I was, in fact, one of 6 winners nationwide and that I would soon be receiving further instructions.
This was indeed, great news! One of the best prizes is professional career coaching to help me obtain this dream job, among other prizes.
The next step was to meet the other 5 winners and the AARP staff via teleconference.
We were each chosen in one of 6 categories. I was chosen in the “Downsized” category.   We were told that we were selected out of ~7200 entries.
In February, we will be contacted by the representatives of the AARP in each of our respective states. We will also be shipped our new Laptops and our prize money.
In March, we will be journaling our experience on the AARP website, so that others in our situation may be encouraged by our journey.
In September, we will be given our travel accommodations to the Annual AARP Convention in Washington, D. C. There, we will be honored at a dinner and reception as well as be featured on a discussion panel.
I’d like to give most of the credit of this essay to my wonderful experience at school. There are always the usual myths in our later years about being “too old to learn” “not fitting in with the younger students”, “not being able to focus and retain”; all of which, I’ve proven to myself are false!
Being involved in a career that will be paying back to the community is indeed, exciting and I’m thankful that my training program and now winning this contest, will make my dream a success. THANK YOU TO AARP!
Added: February 29, 2008
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Category: Downsized
Winner: Kathryn Coverston, San Marcos, CA
Dream Job: Medical Assistant
 
Essay: DOWNSIZED/CAREER CHANGER seeks ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTANT POSITION in medium-sized Chiropractic or Osteopathic office in North County of San Diego area. Magnetic with people, Meticulous in appearance, always prompt and reliable, scrupulous attention to detail. Able to undertake ANY assignment, nothing too small or large. Super user in all office skills + "Can-do" attitude. 30+ yrs Life experience-raised two children with no support. Why I want/need to win: I am 62 and currently RE-INVENTING myself, yet again, from getting downsized in Silicon Valley. I’ve been a diligent employee, but no degree and "aging out of the workforce" has caused me to be downsized in my last two positions. Thankfully, I’m a full time student working toward a Medical Assistant Certificate in April 2008. The younger students accept me and the teachers appreciate someone who comes to class prepared daily. This has given me a new lease on life.  I was able to find a no cost training program through the San Diego Community College system. All we pay for is our books. It’s a wonderful program. I may have lost my job, my home and both parents within the last 2 years. But, I’m a SURVIVOR! I thank AARP for the many benefits they have offered me over the years and yet they still continue to fight for us "Seasoned Citizens". Thank you for reading this. 
Added: February 8, 2008
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Thoughts on becoming a winner
 
First of all, when I wrote my essay back in October, it was late at night and I really didn’t think that mine would be chosen since I’ve had some unfortunate events in my life over the last few years.
 
I was delighted to learn during Christmas week (via email, while visiting family) that I was in fact, one of the 6 finalists. I still did not believe that I would be chosen, but I sent in all the paperwork that was requested.
 
Then, the first week of January, my entire 2008 started off with a big bang! I was told that I had been chosen as one of the 6 winners across the country! WOW! We then had our first conference call with all the winners and the staff at AARP and we all had so much in common. Three of us are looking to start new careers and three of us are looking to start new businesses.
 
I just wanted to say that this has given me such a wonderful feeling of excitement and pride to be chosen. It also gives me a great sense that the training I’m involved with is definitely on the right path.
Now I feel more confident that I’ll find a wonderful job with this enhancement to my skills, and as was noted on the conference call….the purpose is to find not just any job, but the right job.
 
Thank you again to AARP and Retirement Jobs.com.
 
Kalikat
Added: February 8, 2008
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