08/31/2026
Meet Kendal Ray, a student in the Medical Assistant program at Panola College!
"I chose the Medical Assistant program because I’ve always had an interest in healthcare and helping people. I wanted a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives while continuing to learn and grow professionally. The Medical Assistant program felt like the perfect opportunity to build on my previous healthcare experience while opening the door to new opportunities."
"My favorite experience has been getting hands-on experience and learning skills that I know I’ll actually use in my career. I’ve especially enjoyed learning clinical skills, working with classmates, and seeing how everything we learn in class connects to real-world healthcare."
"The program has helped me become more confident in myself and my abilities. It has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, manage school alongside my responsibilities as a mom, and continue pushing forward even when things get difficult. Professionally, it has given me new skills and certifications that have made me feel more prepared for a career in healthcare."
"After graduation, my goal is to begin working in the healthcare field with a plastic surgeon's office and continue building my experience. I would eventually like to further my education and expand my career opportunities within healthcare. Most importantly, I want to build a stable career that I’m proud of and that allows me to provide a good future for my daughter."
"My advice would be to believe in yourself and don’t give up when things get hard. There will be days when you feel overwhelmed or question whether you can do it, but those moments are part of the journey. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and remember why you started. Your circumstances don’t determine how far you can go. Your determination does."
Learn more about Medical Assistant at www.panola.edu/ma.
