Liz Beachy
Age: 25
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 1/13/2015-5/1/2016
Training: Clinic Medical Assistant, EKG Tech., Phlebotomy Tech., Patient Care Tech., Medical Office Support, Electronic Health Records

Former Blue Ridge Job Corps graduate Liz Beachy has seen more than most what it is like in the fight against COVID-19. A Clinical Medical Assistant and Medical Office Support completer from Virginia Beach, Liz has since moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she worked as a clinical lead for Tri-health Physician Practices. Once the novel coronavirus pandemic forced a multitude of changes for most every American starting in March, Liz took a new role for a COVID-19 testing tent.
“It’s been a struggle,” Liz expressed, noting how hard it has been on the front lines. “It exerts you mentally and physically. I see people at their worst. They’re not feeling well, they’re scared, and like many, their income may be jeopardized.” She went on to say that through the long hours, shortages of PPE, and the fear of contracting the virus, she remembers that part of being a health care worker means being called into action during times like these. “I’m really just grateful I’m able to do this and still continue to work, while so many people right now are unemployed,” she said.
You’d never know it with all of her success in the medical field, but health care was not her first choice. She is a self-professed “art school drop-out,” who originally went to school for graphic design. When asked how she decided on Job Corps, she said, “It was actually sort of forced upon me by my mom. I’d been having some family and personal issues, and my mom thought it was best got out and experienced something new.” Liz said that she is thankful that her mother gave her to push to enroll, because it was the best decision she ever made.
Liz is currently enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing a nursing degree, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. She urges any current and future students to take full advantage of every opportunity available at Job Corps. “Take advantage of the opportunities you have there. The more you cross train and get experience, the more desirable your application is to employers.”
In conclusion, she made a point to offer one final piece of advice from her personal experience. “When you make it out into the field, don’t waste time at a job where you aren’t happy. If you don’t see a chance for growth within that organization, continue to look for better opportunities. Life is too short to dread going in to work every day, so love what you do!”