“It has been a tricky balance for me and my kids during this whole pandemic. It has taken a lot of juggling and balance, a lot of patience and perseverance. We have been blessed to not go under through all of this. I am glad that I made the step to go to school in spite of all that is going on around me.

 

Going to UEI has given me hope that good things are coming our way. It gives me a little break from being cooped up with the kids all the time, and I learn new things that I get to teach my boys. They liking learning what I learned in class that day. Recently I have been struggling a bit and the student services folks helped me with job prospects when I was in need and had lots of helpful resources. I'm so grateful to them all, they made this process as easy and fast for me. Getting back into school has been put off for a long time, because of time and money, but now I can do it and be successful. Even with my busy life.”  

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- DajuaVae H.

Medical Assistant

"I’m trying to show my seven-year old that no matter what life gives you make the best of it. With the pandemic, I was laid off. So, of course, I’m on unemployment and my daughter is doing distant learning so with that being said now was the best time ever to go back to school and continue my education to be able to become an essential worker and provide the best I can for my child. I’m showing myself and my child that I’m able to be a mom a teacher and a student. Life is what you make of it and I’m doing my best to make it great!"

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- Etiana J.

Medical Office Specialist

"From the first day, the instructor will walk you through what we need to do at your pace. I never feel rushed or unmotivated to attend a lecture either online or in-class. Before I came to this school I felt lost with a void-like feeling you could say. I was attending a community college but never felt as if I was actually learning anything that caught my interest except for human anatomy. My knowledge about it now is far greater then I expected. I now come to class eagerly every single day, or if I am at home I do what I have to but never without interest. I have truly found my purpose thanks to all of you. I hope to make my school proud when I graduate. I hope to make them even more proud when I start my career all thanks to them."

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- Erick R.

Medical Assistant

“Online Distance Learning may take some getting used to, but just look at it as a time to learn other study habits. Think about the pros rather than the cons. It's almost as if we have it easier than before. Keep in mind that it will not last forever. Eventually we will be back in the classroom and lab. Take this time to get close with other classmates. Form virtual study groups to stay connected and involved. There is so much you can do while still practing social distancing. Hang in there!

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I believe that I can positively impact others by pursuing my dental assistant career. Ever since I enrolled in college, I have had so many friends wanting to know the process so that they too can pursue a career. I believe that outside of the dental office I can motivate others to pursue a career in a desired field. Inside the dental office, I can impact others by working side by side with the dentist. Working with the dentist to improve the dental health of various patients will not only have a positive impact on those patients, but it will show others that I am dedicated."

- Danielle J.

Dental Assistant

“Keep going no matter what. Learn to communicate with others in your class and your instructors to get your assignments done. I really feel that this online has help me become more productive 
and independent. I have recently got my high school diploma, my driver’s license and I’m expecting to graduate soon. It took hard work, commitment, and great communication with my follow classmates and peers. Make sure you are time managing all your work. Don’t wait until the last moment to do it because then you’ll be stressed. Make small goals and plan them accordingly to your schedule. I believe by completing my schooling and going to work as a medical assistant, others will do the same. Coming from a low-income background and not having many resources makes it hard to feel like any goals can be accomplished, but it’s possible. Despite being out of school for 7 years, I was still able to obtain my high school diploma and begin my way as a medical assistant.” 

- Maria B.

Medical Assistant

“Useful advice I wish someone would have given me was no matter how hard it gets, never give up at all. Keep pushing and look forward to what you are going to accomplish in life. Knowing that now, I regret looking back and giving up was the worse thing I could have ever done.”

- Desirae B.

Medical Assistant

“I have 3 kids and have been a parent since I was 18 years old. It has been a struggle to maintain a stable job and be able to enjoy my family as well. I have been homeless living couch to couch with my kids in families’ houses when we knew we were not wanted. At one point, I was told I would never be able to achieve anything but be a waitress. In order for my daughters to have a successful life, my mom, who lived 3 counties away, had to keep my daughters so they would not be sleeping in a car with me. I want to be able to achieve something that I can be proud of as well as my kids and my parents. I want my kids to be able to look at me and say, “Wow. My mommy did it, so can I.” and that anything is possible. Since I have been here at UEI, I have gained confidence and stability. I finally have a plan for my life and feel I can actually be successful. It feels good to hear my daughter tell me, “It’s homework time, mom.” and that she wants to be an MA like me when she grows up. I can’t wait to get started on things I never even thought could be possible.”

- Tatiana H.

Medical Assistant

“My favorite super hero is Iron Man. The funny thing about Iron Man is that he doesn't really have a super power. Yes, he has a device in his chest that keeps him alive and a really cool suit that allows him to fly around like a human fighter jet, but for me, his real super power is his mind. He has the ability to devise and create things that help him accomplish his goals. It is for these reasons that I would wish my super power to be a gifted mind. I would love to have the ability to create things out of nothing. I would love to be a Tony Stark or Elon Musk - revolutionizing the world.”

- Jason M.

HVAC

“You know, honestly this was a pretty hard question for me to answer because of the fact that I am thankful for all of the staff members because they are all so helpful and wonderful people! They each have their own personality… with all of them combined together you’re always smiling and laughing! I don't know any other colleges that check up on you and make sure you’re okay! I am truly honored to be here. 

 

I am actually at this current time working and volunteering for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and I do public speaking at different colleges and hospitals, telling my story about how I achieved my goals in life and how I got better throughout the years to where I am now!”  

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- Emily S.

Business Office Administration

"I’m doing great right now all things considered. This pandemic has taken a lot of joy out of a lot of things but I plan to come out on top and thrive through this school. I haven’t let this pandemic take out the motivation in me to learn and succeed in life. I’m excited to go to school at UEI and hopefully start a career and a life in the near future. "

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- Ismael G.

HVAC

"By the time my classes had started, the Covid-19 pandemic had shut down most of the businesses and institutions. Due to this, I have not actually had the chance to attend a class on the actual campus. So I can't say that I miss anything from the campus but I certainly am anxious to finally be able to get into my physical class and further my education!

 

Once I obtain my certificate of completion upon graduation I plan to find an auto shop to work at least for the next two years. During that time, I plan on furthering my automotive education by learning about diesel power plants and additional trades such as welding, HVAC, and hydraulics. Depending on my success with my goals and the industry as a whole, I may stop my progression there or I might attempt to open my own shop or business later in my life."

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- Joshua C.

Automotive Technician

“One piece of useful advice I wish someone told me is don’t worry about everyone else around you. You get so caught up in the moment, you can lose yourself. I used to be worried about everyone else except myself and I got lost. I found myself again, but it was a long journey to do so. Also, another piece of advice is that no matter how hard it gets, just keep going.”

- Grace V.

Medical Billing & Insurance Coding

“Don’t give up on your dreams. Online distance is only an obstacle for a great career you’re going to achieve. Online distance learning helps your computer skills for your career. Always remember, there so many people willing to help at all times and to always remember to ask any questions. Never be embarrassed about asking for help. Know that as classmates, we’re here to help as well because we’re all in it together. The impact of my career will make my sick mom feel happy since she’s always sick. Since I take care of my sick mom, I want to have an impact on the world as a medical assistant because I know how it feels to ask a nurse if your relatives are ok. And nurses that make you feel like everything is ok are so loved and that’s what I want to be someday. That’s a reason why I never give up because I want to put smiles on people’s faces and make them feel secure that everything is going to be ok.” 

- Nicole G.

Medical Assistant

“The useful advice that I wished people could have given me earlier is to go to college and finish on making a career for myself, and to do my best so that way I don't' have to struggle in life. If I took that advice and did what I had to do to better myself and my future, I would have looked back and done it. ”

- Ana Q.

Medical Assistant

Last year in March my brother was hit on his motorcycle by a car, a mile up the rode from my house. His nurses and medical assistance were very rude, they kept smiling at me and wouldn't tell me what was going on. That night I lost my big brother. I joined this program so I could become a better medical assistant than they were and to help people, the ones who are in need and the families who are going through it with them as well. I have always wanted to be a registered nurse, so becoming a medical assistant first will help me get into the medical field faster, so I can achieve my goals. I had a few obstacles along the way, a few family members have passed. It was also difficult at first learning about all the injuries he had and what they could have done. In first-aid we learned CPR which was hard because I was alone at the hospital and saw the nurses do CPR on my brother. Along the way I just had to push myself through it and remind myself he is still somehow with me.”

- Jelousy S.

Medical Assistant