Home » Success Stories » Chasing Her Dream of a Healthcare Career

In March 2024, Shamima Islam made a brave decision—she walked through the doors of the SEMCA Michigan Works! Highland Park American Job Center, ready to change her life. Enrolled in the PATH (Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope) program, she brought with her a fierce determination to build a better future.

Shamima received a laptop to support her job search. But as she looked ahead, she realized her goal wasn’t just to find work—it was to build a meaningful, lasting career in healthcare. She dreamed of becoming a Medical Assistant, and by August, with the encouragement of her career coach, she took the leap and enrolled at Express Phlebotomy.

Throughout her journey, Shamima was met with wraparound support to help break down barriers that stood in her way. The PATH program provided tuition assistance, Lyft vouchers for transportation, and help with purchasing essentials like scrubs, shoes, and books—ensuring she was fully prepared for both the classroom and clinical training.

By October 2024, Shamima had completed her coursework and began an internship at a local doctor’s office. Even while interning, she remained proactive in her job search, driven to put her new skills to work.

Her perseverance paid off. In January 2025, Shamima was hired as a Medical Assistant at Priority Medical Center. With support from SEMCA Michigan Works! and her unwavering commitment, she achieved her career goal and stepped confidently into Michigan’s growing healthcare workforce.

“Don’t follow your dreams—chase them.” – Shamima

Today, Shamima is not only providing care to others—she’s living proof that with courage, support, and the will to keep going, a better future is always within reach.