Real Story: Monika Boscato

Monika Boscato

CSM Alum, Phlebotomy Technician

Current Job Title: Phlebotomist, Johns Hopkins Hospital

When I moved to the United States with my husband in 2020, I didn’t speak much English and only had some basic vocabulary. Because of the pandemic, everything was closed, so I taught myself while also taking care of my newborn son. It was a very difficult period in my life; my younger sister had recently passed away, and I couldn’t be with my family in the Czech Republic.

Back home, I worked as a healthcare assistant. I have a high school diploma from my country, and, with a newborn and the language barrier, I wasn’t sure what my life would look like. Then, I heard about virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and I found CSM.

I was surprised when I got a high score on the ESL assessment—I was self-taught and barely spoke English, and I really felt like I needed additional classes. Even though my score on the test was supposedly too high for most of the ESL courses, Frazier Nelson from the Adult Education program worked with me to find classes that would help me improve my English.

When I finished my reading class, I looked for my next course and registered for the Adult Basic Education/GED Preparation Bridge. That class was fantastic for improving my English. The teacher, Terri Griest, was amazing, and I learned a lot. It felt so good to gradually become less shy and more confident in talking.

Mr. Frazier suggested an ESL class for healthcare workers, taught by Vickie Brosky, who became one of my favorite teachers. Learning with other people like me, I didn’t feel so alone and started to feel much more comfortable speaking. More importantly, it allowed me to resume my career here in the U.S.

Because of the language barrier, I never thought I’d be able to work in the healthcare field when I moved here. When I signed up for the class, I was only expecting to improve my speaking and writing ability, but Ms. Vickie also taught us ways to quickly and easily find a job.

I was so excited that, together with my classmate, I registered for CSM’s phlebotomy technician workforce training certificate program. I completed the program, earned my National Healthcareer certification, and started applying for jobs as a phlebotomist. In the meantime, Ms. Vickie offered me a position as her virtual assistant for the healthcare ESL class. I enthusiastically accepted and began my first job in the U.S.!

I was incredibly lucky in my job search—my first job interview was at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and they offered me a position as a phlebotomist. I can honestly say that I love this job! Once I have more experience, I plan to apply for a medical coding class, which would allow me to work from anywhere.

I am so thankful: to CSM and especially to Ms. Vickie, who always encouraged me; and to my husband, who was so supportive and proud of me the whole time. I finally feel independent!

My advice for anyone with a story like mine is, don’t be afraid like I was when I first started. Take advantage of the opportunity to study at CSM. I was surprised by how easy it is to earn a certification or diploma and quickly get a good job. It can completely change your life like it changed mine.

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Last updated: 9-29-25