When Bardisan Benyamin arrived in the United States from Iran in 2006, he barely spoke a word of English. His first job was at a pharmacy and retail store, where even the simplest customer interaction felt daunting. But Bardisan was determined. Within three months, he taught himself enough English to confidently communicate with customers. That same quiet perseverance continues to guide him today—now as a student in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at UEI College in Reseda.
For years, Bardisan focused on providing for his growing family, working his way up to become an operations manager. But as the cost of living rose and his family prepared to welcome a second child, he and his wife began looking toward the future. “We realized we were falling behind financially,” Bardisan said. “My wife encouraged me to find something more stable—something with long-term opportunity.”
That encouragement led Bardisan to UEI College. Initially hesitant, he visited the Reseda campus just to ask questions. One hour later, he was filling out paperwork, applying for financial aid, and enrolling in the HVAC program.
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“I wasn’t even planning to sign up that day,” he said, laughing. “But something about the way the staff talked to me—it felt like the right place.”
The first month of class was tough. Bardisan was surrounded by students much younger than him, and some of the more technical concepts—especially those related to electricity—brought back memories of earlier struggles with English. “I used to be scared to take classes,” he admitted. “But now I don’t let that stop me. I ask questions, I study hard, and I keep going.”
Bardisan says he’s particularly drawn to HVAC because it’s a career rooted in comfort—and in helping people. “Heating and cooling systems are more than machines,” he explained. “They affect how people live, sleep, recover. I like knowing that the work I’m doing will help someone feel better in their own space.”
Now with only a few months left in the program, Bardisan is proud of how far he’s come—and even prouder of the example he’s setting for his children. “This country is full of opportunity. Yes, I started late, but I’m doing it. I want my sons to see that it’s never too late to start something new.”
His advice for others, especially immigrants or adult learners hesitant to begin again: “Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Dream big. Think about your future. It’s OK to be scared—but it’s more important to keep going.”
With his HVAC training nearly complete and a new baby at home, Bardisan is focused on securing a meaningful career. Long term, he hopes to mentor others entering the trade—especially those who, like him, took the longer road to get there.
