“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 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 power would be flying. I love the idea that I could travel anywhere in the world and it wouldn’t cost me an arm and a leg. My dream is to backpack though Paris, London, France, and Italy. I want to learn about their cultures and take pictures of the beautiful sights. I would love to just feel like I'm free and I think flying would help me feel that way. The hero in my life would be my mother because she is so strong. Although she's been through so much heartache, she is still here and happy. She literally saved my life when she decided to adopt me when I was 1 year old.”

- Angel S.

Medical Office Specialist

“The best thing that has happened to me this year was enrolling in school. Starting at UEI has significantly changed my life for the better. I am able to pursue my passion of getting started in the medical field. I have really supportive classmates and teachers that help me with developing skills I've always wanted. Failing is a part of life and what gives us purpose. If I knew I wouldn't fail, I probably wouldn't have the motivation to keep going and to get better.”

 - Ariana P.

Medical Assistant

“I really enjoy poetry because it seems that everyone has something to say. It allows us to know that anything you're feeling, whether it be happy, sad, angry, or anything, you are not alone. Some useful advice that I wish someone had given me earlier is you're working hard for the future you, don't let other people’s attitudes affect your own. I wish I was given that advice earlier because I had spent so much of my life trying to make everyone happy no matter how unhappy I was. After hearing that advice and not understanding it for years, I finally get it. In times of despair, I remember that future me will thank myself for the pain I'm going through and for continuing to push past it."

- Areli V.

Medical Assistant

“Fighter by Gym Class Hero talks about a young man who has been beaten down his whole life by life, but is still moving forward. The whole world sees him as a fighter and is waiting for him to fail, but he will never give them that satisfaction. He says, "Until the referee rings the bell, until both your eyes start to swell, until the crowd goes home, what we gonna do y'all? Give 'em hell, turn their heads, gonna live life till we're dead." It describes my life well. I was homeless and everyone expected me to end up in jail or homeless for the rest my life, but I battled through all of that and will never go back.”

- Garon 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

“My first day was exciting and fun because everyone was so nice. It feels just like home when you walk in, I didn’t know anyone but everyone I talked to was so nice and fun to be around. You meet people so fast here! My favorite thing about UEI is the staff always making things enjoyable for the students, and challenging us. Also, the classes are small which allows us to have one-on-one with the teachers. I felt more comfortable. The staff helps you a lot with whatever situation you’re in and really help you succeed with your goals. Love them, my second family. This is the start of a better future for me and my kids. ”

- Zennia E.

Dental Assistant

“The best thing to happen to me in 2018 was enrolling at UEI and being a step closer to my dream job. Just the thought of working in the medical field, being able to work in a hospital, and helping patients gets me really excited. Since I'm the first generation in my family to be born in the United States and my parents had to leave everything behind in Mexico for me, I want to be able to make my parents proud. I want to give back to them for every sacrifice they made for me to have a better life and education. My New Year’s resolution is being able to start working in the medical field which I've always dreamed. I want to get my life together to have a successful future. If I could do anything in 2019, I would want to learn everything in the medical field. I also want to learn different languages besides English and Spanish so I can be able to help more people.”

- Jennifer A.

Medical Assistant

“My MOS instructor is Wendy Hunt. What I love most is her sincerity. Mrs. Hunt truly believes in us and reminds us that we all are capable of succeeding regardless of our circumstances. She is not only our teacher but our biggest supporter. As long as we communicate with her, she can guide us through life's challenges without any judgment. She cares about each of us and motivates us to succeed.”

- Leila S.

Medical Office Specialist

“My passion outside of school is helping build my children up positively. I like to help people, so I try to help my family as much as possible. Any way that I can be of help, I try my best to do. I have noticed that I tend to help others more than I help myself. Some useful advice I wish somebody would have given me is to stay focused and to stick to it no matter how hard or frustrating things may become. I know that advice is a lot easier said than done, but it is possible. I would also give the advice that your health is important. A lot of times we tend to forget about ourselves and focus on everything else. I am now learning that my health is important as a whole because if I'm not healthy, I can’t help the people that I love genuinely.”

- Laci E.

Medical Assistant

“Being a part of the UEI program gave me a realization of what success looks like. Students participating in the school fundamentals show how much they are dedicated to changing their future. The amount of motivation and support I am surrounded by makes me UEI proud. Everyone shares a story and I believe that anyone is capable of change if their mind sets them up for success. I came to this campus to make a change in my lifestyle and to also surround myself with other people who want to succeed as much as I do. After the loss of my older brother, I knew I had to figure out a way to take care of my family, to prove to them that I will prosper in life the correct way, and receive a proper education. My main priority is my future and this is just the beginning of my story.”

- Elizabeth C.

Medical Office Specialist