Throughout her childhood and into her teen years, Marcy Palomar had to learn to be independent. From attending four different high schools, moving into a new environment every two years, and spending countless long night shifts cleaning banks with her grandma to help cover their bills, Marcy did not have a typical teenager's experience.

When Marcy finished high school in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, her rebellious nature and independence grew as she moved out to get away from her home. This came at the cost of her not pursuing a higher education, and after dropping out of community college due to finances, Marcy was unsure about her next steps or where she would go.

Marcy then received news that would completely change the course of her life: she was pregnant. After giving birth in December 2022 to a baby boy, she realized what she needed to do as a new mother.

“As soon as I found out, a switch flipped in my brain, I stopped what I was doing and did what I had to do. It’s just a mother’s instinct,” Marcy said.

Determined to provide a better future for her son Elias, Marcy searched for a career education path that fit best for her, finally deciding to become a registered dental assistant (RDA). In October 2023, after speaking with a Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) representative, Marcy was offered an opportunity through the Riverside County Office of Education’s School of Career Education in its dental assistant program at the Grindstaff II location.

The hands-on program focusing on x-rays, polishing, and sealants, allows Marcy to attain her RDA certification tuition-free, something she is more than grateful for. She was also placed in an internship near her home in Beaumont, offering additional real-world career experience in the dental field.

“If it wasn’t for this program, I’d probably be working fast food to try and make money,” Marcy said. “There was no other choice.”

As Marcy balances daily between single motherhood and student life, she understands the difficulties of having to take care of not only herself but providing for Elias, all while establishing a career path.

“I have to feed him, bathe him, change him, feed myself, shower myself. I only get about an hour and a half to myself on the weekends,” Marcy said. “I wake up at 5:00 a.m. every day and some days it’s harder than others to get up and get going. My son is what keeps me going and gets me through everything.”

In addition to covering education fees, Marcy receives resources for diapers and gas through DPSS and free daycare for her son while she continues her education. Looking towards the future, Marcy knew she needed steps to help build a better life for her and her son.

“As soon as I saw him, I knew I needed something better for him,” Marcy said. “I knew I couldn’t give him the world with food stamps.”

As Marcy navigates through the ins and outs of motherhood, she looks towards a bright future as she gears up to graduate from the dental program in July.

“I’m seeing big things,” Marcy said. “I’m the first one to graduate from a career program in my family, and first one to become licensed. It's a big deal to me as it’s my first real graduation.”

Not only is Marcy the first one in her family to further their education beyond high school, but she was also elected by her classmates to become the spokesperson representing the dental program on their graduation day. With her speech already written, Marcy reflected on how she would want her son to look back on their life.

“Life is hard, and times are tough, but you’ve got to push through,” Marcy said. “I just want my son to know that I tried for him, and I always will.”