Education Empowers: Samantha Leeson

For Samantha Leeson, a career change was about more than finding a new job. It was an opportunity to challenge herself, develop new skills, and pursue her passion for dentistry. After several years working as a dental scheduler at Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center, Samantha was ready for a new challenge but wasn't sure how to take the next step.

That opportunity came through Ready to Hire, by Cengage, a career training program that helped Samantha transition into a hands-on role as a dental assistant. Through flexible online learning, paid clinical experience, and support from her workplace, she was able to build the skills and confidence needed to advance her career without stepping away from her existing responsibilities.

Today, Samantha's story demonstrates how education can create opportunities for career growth, greater earning potential, and personal fulfillment. In the videos below, she shares how taking a chance on herself transformed not only her career but also the example she sets for her daughter.

Finding a New Path in a Familiar Field

After years working as a dental scheduler, Samantha felt she had reached a point where there was little room to grow. Although she loved working in dentistry, she wanted to challenge herself and explore a more hands-on role in patient care.

When she received an email announcing an opportunity to train as a dental assistant through Ready to Hire, by Cengage, she immediately recognized the potential for a new career path. For Samantha, the program offered a chance to build on her existing experience while pursuing something new in a field she was passionate about. 

 

Making Career Training Fit Into Life

Transitioning into a new role while continuing to work presented its own challenges, but the flexibility of online learning made the process more manageable.

Through Ready to Hire, by Cengage, Samantha was able to complete coursework at her own pace, often dedicating weekends to studying and reviewing materials during breaks in her workday. She also credits her colleagues for helping ease her responsibilities so she could focus on her training.

The combination of self-paced learning and workplace support allowed Samantha to continue earning an income while preparing for her next career move, demonstrating how flexible education can make professional advancement more accessible to working adults.

 

Bridging Education and Employment Through Hands-On Experience

One of the most valuable aspects of Samantha's training was the opportunity to complete paid clinical hours at Lifecare Family Health & Dental Center, where she was already employed. Rather than having to leave her job to gain practical experience, she could apply what she learned in a familiar workplace while earning a paycheck.

Although she initially felt overwhelmed by the equipment and responsibilities involved in dental assisting, hands-on experience helped her build confidence and develop the skills needed to work directly with patients.

The transition was especially meaningful because many of those patients had known Samantha for years as their dental scheduler. As they watched her move from the front desk into patient care, their encouragement became an important source of motivation.

For Samantha, paid clinical training helped bridge the gap between learning and employment, creating a pathway to new responsibilities, professional growth, and increased earning potential. 

 

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Education

While Samantha's career advancement has been significant, she says one of the most meaningful changes has been her newfound confidence.

That transformation has extended into her family life, particularly her relationship with her daughter. As one of Samantha's biggest supporters, her daughter has watched her mother take on new challenges, develop new skills, and grow into a more confident professional. Samantha has even begun to see that confidence reflected in her daughter, who is becoming more willing to challenge herself.

For Samantha, the experience has reinforced that pursuing education and career growth can have an impact far beyond the individual. By investing in her own future, she is also showing her daughter what is possible when you believe in yourself and embrace new opportunities.

Her journey is a reminder that education doesn't just change careers. It can transform lives, strengthen families, and inspire the next generation to pursue their own dreams. 

Learn more:

Head to the Success Stories page of our website to hear from more learners about how education empowers.

If you’re interested in working where jobs make a difference, read about what it’s like to work at Cengage and check out our careers page for open roles.