Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesenia (Jessy) Sanabria.
Hi Jesenia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born in New Jersey, moved to Puerto Rico at the age of three, and at the age of about ten moved to the Sunshine State of Florida. Grew up in a small town called Lehigh Acres (not many people know where that’s located lol, southwest area) I attended Elementary, Middle, and High School there. Made great friends along the way whom I still communicate with to this day! After graduating High School, I started attending Edison Community College, in Fort Myers. I obtained all my required business courses there and later enrolled in a joint program for Opticianry that was being offered through Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.
Graduated from the program and received an A.S. in Opticianry (helping patients find the perfect frame selection).
During the time I was in college, I obtained another A.S. in Medical Administration, with a certification in billing and coding. I wanted to pursue a career in Optometry, my goal was to eventually become an Optometrist. My very first “real” job” started at a local Walmart vision center to gain experience. There I helped patients select the perfect frames, adjust frames as well, and helped the Optometrist on duty with prescreening the patients before their exam. I also had a chance to learn how to cut lenses in a small lab they had onsite.
Years later was hired at a private Ophthalmology practice, where I checked out patients after their visit, and helped in the optical department as well. I fell in love with the field and decided to become a technician and learn that side of things. Fast forward to today, I have dedicated my whole life to working in the Ophthalmology and Optometry world, better known as the “eye field”. I never became a doctor but my passion for eyesight persisted. After many years in the field and not being able to grow financially, I had to come up with a plan B.
I started to think of a good plan that would allow me to have no set limitations when it comes to earning income. Real estate became my goal. I attended a local course being given by Demetree School of Realty that was being given in person (online courses are not my thing!). I started in October and graduated in December. Passed my state test first try (to my surprise!! I wasn’t feeling too confident about that!!) in December and signed up to work with Keller Williams in Winter Park. And Wha-la I’m a Realtor!! Although I haven’t made my first sale and I completely understand it’s not an easy gig, I have faith that it will happen!!
I just want to encourage anyone who takes the time to read this “that it’s never too late to start a plan B”!! Being an entrepreneur has always been a thing. Make a plan and go after it!! I’ve always heard the skies are the limit, and I’m going to apply it.
My goal is to help families find their dream homes and help them understand the whole process. Both buying and selling can be nerve-racking, but having someone who is trustworthy can make the process less intimidating. I hope I have a strong impact on the community in the near future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, I had to balance work and the reality course and study as much as possible in my little spare time.
I was very scared that I wasn’t going to be able to pass the test and feel discouraged to try again. It was very costly to go through the process, but today I look back and smile at my accomplishment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently hold a certification as an Ophthalmic technician and work for a private Optometrist full-time. My job duties are working up patients and assisting the Doctor in the room as a scribe. I’ve always wanted to work for myself and decided to become a realtor and work that part-time. I consider myself a jack of all trades. Helping people is what I love the most.
The last thing I’d like to add to my professional portfolio is that I’m also a licensed life insurance agent with Primerica, one of the most reputable financial services businesses in America. We help middle-income families protect their income and become financially independent. I am most proud of my accomplishments throughout my life.
I feel that what sets me apart from others is the fact that I can speak English and Spanish fluently which allows me to be an asset to any business I choose to work for.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned many lessons along my journey, but one that resides the most is to never fail to try more things, learn as much as you can, and understand that failure doesn’t define you. Get up and try again!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jessysanabria.kw.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessy.sanabriarodriguez/
