When Cassie Nelson discusses her college journey, there’s a mix of pride and disbelief in her voice. At just 21, she’s navigated significant turning points in her life, including a pandemic and a career decision, and ultimately emerged with a certification as a registered medical assistant (RMA). Her path wasn’t always straightforward, but with determination and the right support, Cassie found her way.
A disrupted start
As a high school senior juggling dual enrollment classes at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), Cassie’s future was full of possibilities. Then in 2020, COVID-19 hit and everything changed.
“COVID ruined a lot for me,” Cassie says. “It ruined my senior year, as well as my first year of college.” The impact stretched across two crucial years of her education. Like many students navigating the pandemic, Cassie struggled with online learning. “I couldn’t learn from a Google Meet where I’m at my house and could lie in my bed,” she explains. “I needed to get up and go to school and be face-to-face.”
After graduating high school in 2021, Cassie decided to pause her education. “I was just mentally unwell,” she admits. What was supposed to be a short break turned into over a year of working and figuring out her next steps.
Finding her way back (with a little help)
For about a year, Cassie worked full-time in food service to earn money while trying to determine her future. In 2022, she landed a job as a healthcare receptionist, which gave her experience in the medical field. She started thinking about returning to school, but the idea of it felt daunting.
That’s when ReUp and her Success Coach, Coach Lucas, came into her life. “Coach Lucas gave me resources—career information that helped and different quizzes that CSM offered,” Cassie recalls. “That’s what helped me pick the medical assisting program.”
But knowing what you want to do and doing it are two different things. Cassie was nervous about diving back in. “I was so scared to take the initiative of registering for class,” she admits. Coach Lucas’s encouragement made all the difference for her. “The biggest piece of advice, especially from Coach Lucas, was to jump in head first,” Cassie says.
Coach Lucas helped Cassie not only with academic choices but also with navigating the complex world of financial aid. “I wasn’t even going to apply for FAFSA, but he pushed me to do it,” she shares. His guidance gave her the confidence to take that first step.
Riding the ups and downs
Once back in school, Cassie faced a new set of challenges. Motivation proved to be a big challenge and it wasn’t a quick fix. “I struggle with motivation a lot,” she admits. “But Coach Lucas kept me on track.” Whether it was addressing forgotten assignments, scheduling conflicts, or tackling financial aid, Coach Lucas was always there for Cassie. She adds: “I always had a resource for everything, even if my resource was just Coach Lucas.”
What struck Cassie most was how much he cared about her overall well-being. “Every time I had a bad day, he asked me what I was doing to take care of myself. That meant a lot to me.”
The real test came during her clinical rotations. “Doing your clinical rotation for the first time, especially in the medical field, is intense,” she remembers. But it was also where everything clicked. On her first day, Cassie successfully completed a blood draw—a task she had struggled with in class. It was a moment of triumph that boosted her confidence and confirmed she’d made the right career choice.
A dream realized
In August 2024, Cassie received her RMA certification at her pinning ceremony. It was more than just a personal victory—it was a chance to celebrate with her family in a way she couldn’t for her high school graduation.
“I was only able to have a few people there and I had to wear my mask [for high school],” Cassie explains. “But this felt really good—for me to have all my family there, no masks, and just like it should be.”
Her clinical experience led directly to a job offer, with Lucas supporting her through the entire process. “We honestly talked through the whole thing—from the moment they gave me my job offer to the moment I started my first day.”
Looking ahead with new confidence
Cassie’s journey has changed her in ways she never expected.
“If you had told me when I first went back to school that I’d be excited to continue learning, I would have thought, ‘There’s no way—what’s wrong with me?”
— Cassie Nelson
Now, she’s considering additional certifications, including one in medical coding, and she’s excited about her career prospects.
For anyone thinking about going back to school, Cassie has this advice:
You’ve got to put yourself all in, give it everything—even if it scares you. Just try it out because you don’t know what’s going to happen.
— Cassie Nelson
The impact of her experience with ReUp and Coach Lucas was so profound that Cassie even recommended the service to her cousin and best friend, both of whom also worked with him on reaching their goals. “Coach Lucas became like my best friend,” she says. The support she received went far beyond academics, positively impacting every aspect of her life.
Cassie’s story is a reminder that with perseverance, support, and a willingness to take that first scary step, it’s possible to turn challenges into triumphs. As Cassie moves forward in her medical assisting career, she carries with her not just a certification, but a newfound confidence in her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals.
