Exploring New Career Horizons with EDD Support

My name is Sergio Antonio Banda Cambrón, and I am a certified nutritionist from Mexico. Despite my professional achievements, I felt a profound calling to explore new horizons and pursue my passion for healthcare.

Leaving behind my family and friends in Mexico was one of the toughest decisions of my life, but I was determined to embrace the opportunities that awaited me in the United States, despite my fears about the language barrier and adapting to a new culture.

When I first arrived in California, I faced significant challenges. I didn’t know any English, making communication nearly impossible. Even simple tasks, like opening a bank account, seemed insurmountable. I often felt emotionally isolated and struggled to find my place in this new environment. Initially, I could only secure temporary jobs that neither fulfilled me nor aligned with my passion for nutrition and healthcare. This period was incredibly challenging, but it fueled my determination to succeed.

A turning point came when I enrolled in the Corona-Norco Adult School to study English as a second language for a year. This program, led by the wonderful Thoibi Rublaitus, Ed.D, and Holly Waite, not only helped me gain proficiency in English but also built my confidence and allowed me to make friends from all over the world.

I was fortunate to find incredible mentors such as Erika Brambila, Peter Lamptey, and Holly Waite. Holly, in particular, was instrumental in guiding me as I pursued my career in healthcare. Under her mentorship, I completed my certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant. Today, I am proud to work at Corona Post Acute, and I am in the final stages of the hiring process at the Subacute unit of Corona Regional.