Building a Future Beyond Survival, Finding Purpose at UEI College

Michael Chadburn’s path to success didn’t follow a typical script—it started with a fight for his life. The valedictorian speaker at the fall graduation ceremony for UEI College in Bakersfield told the audience “I am medically not supposed to be here. Medically, I died in September of 2017.” A reverent silence followed, as he recounted the remarkable journey that led him to being at the podium on stage, in cap and gown, to celebrate with his fellow graduates.

After surviving a brain tumor, multiple surgeries, and a near-fatal battle with sepsis, Michael faced a long road to recovery. It was not just physical rehabilitation but a complete reinvention of his career and future. From the ICU to the classroom, Michael’s determination carried him through to graduation from UEI’s Electrician Technician (ET) program.

Michael’s world shifted dramatically on February 17, 2017, when what started as a numb lip turned into a terrifying medical crisis. A CT scan revealed a benign astrocytoma brain tumor on his spinal cord, marking the beginning of a long series of surgeries and procedures—13 in total. Michael fought through months of ICU care and years of physical therapy to regain his strength. “I knew I had a lot left to do,” he said. “Life itself kept me going.”

Throughout his recovery, Michael’s friends and family rallied around him during his hospital stay. His wife, Kinlynn, was a constant source of strength, urging him to move beyond unfulfilling jobs and pursue a more rewarding career. His father, too, had always encouraged him to consider a trade, believing in Michael’s potential. With their support, Michael found the motivation to seek a career that would bring both stability and pride.

After applying to UEI, he found himself on the phone with an enrollment representative, Lisa, “From the start our conversation, I felt a change inside myself. I knew that I was ready, and most importantly I needed this change,” Michael said in his valedictorian speech.

Once in the  Electrician Technician program, he discovered that the hands-on learning environment was exactly what he needed. The practical approach helped him manage his ADHD and move past his former reluctance toward education. He quickly excelled, especially in technical skills like conduit bending and motor controls, and his dedication paid off—he graduated as valedictorian, an achievement that confirmed he had found the right path.

Michael is now focused on building his career, actively applying to both large companies like PG&E and smaller electrical firms where he hopes to gain hands-on experience. In the meantime, his entrepreneurial spirit keeps him busy with small electrical jobs on his own, allowing him to put his skills to use as he seeks a more permanent role. “I’m living up to what my dad knew I would be, and the life I would build,” he says.

From overcoming critical medical challenges to graduating as a skilled electrician technician, Michael is prepared to step confidently into a new career. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, he’s proven that it’s possible to rebuild and redefine life on your own terms.