Rossana Garay Escalante
Age: 19
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Center: Blue Ridge Job Corps Center
Region: Philadelphia
Career Area: Medical Assistant
Job Corps Dates: 7/18/17 – 03/17/18

Growing up in Venezuela, Rossana Garay Escalante and her family witnessed the deprivation happening in their country. Understanding the need to provide their family with more opportunities, her parents decided it was best to move to the United States. When Rossana was seventeen years old, her family (except for her father) moved to Richmond, Virginia. Rossana’s father, a doctor in Venezuela decided to stay in Venezuela to help his country. “I look up to my father because even though he works long hours and doesn’t make very much money, he is doing what he likes to do, helping and saving people’s lives,” said Rossana.

With a high school diploma in hand from Tucker High School, Rossana was tired of working as a waitress, she knew she needed a career and Job Corps was the best option. Rossana completed the Medical Assistant trade and earned Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, Phlebotomy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act accreditations; in addition to serving as a recreation aide.

After graduating from the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center, Rossana gained employment as a Medical Assistant at the Foot & Ankle Center in Richmond, Virginia. She is taking a class (supplemented through Foot & Ankle) to get her Radiology Certification. Rossana plans to begin classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College next year to become a Registered Nurse. “Being at Job Corps has made me a stronger person, and for that I am grateful,” stated Rossana.