As a high school senior, Daniela Villela-Martinez found herself at a crossroads, uncertain about her career path and unsure how to navigate the challenges of being a first-generation college student. She decided to sign up for a two-week program with Polk Career Connect, a new workforce initiative created through collaboration between Polk School District, Polk County Chamber of Commerce, and The Development Authority of Polk County in Georgia. The program was designed to connect students’ skills, interests, and career goals into a career with a local employer through breakout sessions with industry and education professionals.
The possibility of landing a job with a reputable company, one that would not only provide a paycheck but also support her college education, was an opportunity she couldn’t ignore. As the first in her family to attend college, Villela-Martinez felt like she was stepping into unfamiliar territory. The guidance offered from Polk Career Connect was exactly what she needed to help her pursue her dreams.
Through the program, she was introduced to many major employers, including AdventHealth. Learning more about AdventHealth and the career paths offered, she felt drawn to an organization that prioritized a supportive, family-like work environment, where team members uplifted one another. As a person of faith, she values the importance of compassion and kindness, and AdventHealth’s focus on Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ deeply resonated with her on a personal level.
On the last day of the program, she went through a “round robin” of interviews with representatives from multiple companies. Villela-Martinez was offered a job at AdventHealth on the spot, and she accepted the role with pride.
Today, Villela-Martinez works at AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care in Rome, Georgia, where she brings warmth and a welcoming attitude to every patient interaction. She loves seeing the impact of her kindness, especially when patients arrive feeling nervous or tense. “Some people come in looking so serious, but once I greet them with a smile, their entire demeanor changes,” said Villela-Martinez. “I love knowing I’ve helped make their experience a little brighter.” For her, this isn’t just a job — it’s an opportunity to extend her values into her daily work and make a difference in her community.
Through her role, she has discovered an unexpected passion for health care. Originally, she had planned to study business administration, but her experience at AdventHealth opened her eyes to new possibilities. She is now enrolled in Georgia Highlands College and will begin her studies in radiologic technology next spring. Working at AdventHealth has shown her that there are countless career paths within health care, many of which she hadn’t known existed.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing a full-time job with her educational goals is demanding, but Villela-Martinez wouldn’t have it any other way. Reflecting on her experience, she feels an immense sense of pride.
“This job has given me a new direction,” said Villela-Martinez. “I’ve realized there’s so much I can do in health care, and I want to be a part of it.”
AdventHealth | January 2025
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