Filling That Empty Space: Sacramento Student Finds Purpose as a Medical Assistant
A mother of three boys and soon turning 30, Selena Ortiz had spent years searching for a career but struggled to find something stable and fulfilling.
“I could always find a decent job,” she explained, “but I wanted a career—something I could build my future on and make my kids proud of.”
Even so, when Selena first came across an Instagram post about UEI College, she had no expectations that clicking on it could change the course of her life. Yet, that seemingly simple decision led her to visit UEI’s Sacramento campus, where she ultimately enrolled in the Medical Assistant (MA) program.
For Selena, enrolling wasn’t just about checking an item off her list of goals. It was about filling what she described as an “empty space” in her life and setting an example for her children.
“I wanted to show them that no matter what, you can push through, finish what you start, and create a better future for yourself,” she said.
Discovering Her Career Path
Selena’s interest in healthcare didn’t come out of nowhere. Before enrolling, she spent four years as a caregiver through an in-home support service, providing daily assistance to her grandmother.
In this role, she handled medications, transportation to doctor appointments, and even supported physical therapy.
“Her body was just giving out, and I was there through it all,” Selena said. “Doing that really opened my eyes to how much I enjoy helping others and made me want to take it further.”
When she learned about the Medical Assistant program, Selena knew it was the right fit. Still, stepping into a classroom environment after years as a stay-at-home mom was intimidating.
“At first, I doubted myself,” she said. “I didn’t know if I could really do it.”
What made the difference for Selena was the support she found at UEI — both in the hands-on training and the encouragement from her instructors.
“I liked going in and doing the hands-on learning. That’s when everything really clicked for me,” she said. “And my instructor, Ms. Shelbi Ingham, helped me so much. She would sit with me and talk whenever I doubted myself. She made sure I had what I needed to succeed.”
That encouragement pushed Selena to keep going when the work felt overwhelming. Instead of giving up, she grew more confident.
Each new skill, from taking vitals and cleaning wounds to supporting post-op patients, added to her belief that she could finish the program and thrive in the career ahead.
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Gaining Real-World Experience
Selena is now completing her externship at an orthopedic specialists’ office in Sacramento, where she’s applying what she’s learned in the classroom to real patient care.
“I take patients back to the rooms, check their vitals, and for post-op patients, I help clean wounds and rebandage,” she said. “At first I shadowed, but by the next day I was doing it on my own.”
Her supervisor has already noticed her dedication and skill. In fact, Selena learned that the office often hires directly from their externship program, something she’s working hard to achieve.
“That’s what I’m reaching for,” she said. “To get hired right where I’m externing would be a dream come true.”
And every day, Selena comes home and shares her experiences with her children, who eagerly listen to what their mom accomplished that day.
“They love hearing about it,” she said with a smile. “It makes me happy that they see me doing my best.”
Looking back at where she started, Selena knows that the hardest part of her journey was taking the first step. Her advice to others considering the MA program at UEI is simple, heartfelt, and reflective of her personal experience.
“Just go on and do it,” she said. “Don’t doubt yourself. You’re capable of more than you think.”
For Selena, UEI provided her with an opportunity to build the meaningful career she always dreamed of. With graduation around the corner, she’s already proving to herself, her children, and her community that when you put in the work and believe in yourself, new doors can open.
“Big thank you to UEI,” Selena said. “They gave me the chance to make a career for myself and to show my kids what it means to never give up.”
