Finding Strength, Purpose, and a Future at UEI College
When life feels unsteady, sometimes the best thing you can find is an anchor — something strong enough to hold you in place, keep you accountable, and help you push forward into a brighter future. For Christina Marie Madril, that anchor was UEI College.
A Dental Assistant student at UEI College’s Huntington Park campus, Christina admits that when she first walked through UEI’s doors, she wasn’t in the best place in her life. She had been fighting to maintain her sobriety while raising four young children, and she desperately needed something positive to tie her future to.
“I didn’t feel like I chose UEI,” Christina said. “I feel like UEI chose me. When I came here, it was different from the other schools. The staff didn’t judge me for being in recovery. They welcomed me, and I felt like I belonged.”
And after overcoming some bumps in the road, Christina is eager to share her story — to “recover loudly,” as she puts it — so that others suffering from addiction might find a similar level of strength, support, and guidance when striving to turn their lives around.
Before registering with UEI College, Christina says she was at a crossroads in her life. She knew she wanted more for herself and her kids but didn’t quite know how to get there. That changed the day she came in for a campus tour at UEI.
“Had my admissions counselor not enrolled me when I came in, I don’t know where I’d be right now,” Christina said. “UEI changed my whole life, and I’m forever grateful.”
What struck her most about UEI was the support system she felt right away. Unlike other schools she had visited, UEI made her feel seen and valued. From the beginning, she felt a warm, welcoming vibe with no judgement.
And as she began the Dental Assistant program, Christina quickly realized just how much UEI invests in its students. From giving her a hand with essentials like uniforms and shoes to helping her replace her bike when transportation became an issue, Christina felt surrounded by people who wanted to see her succeed.
“I’ve never seen a school like this,” she said. “Whenever I miss a day, my phone blows up because they really want you in class. They don’t let you give up on yourself.”
Her instructors have also been instrumental in her journey. Christina recalls struggling in her radiology module and worrying that she might fall too far behind. But her instructors wouldn’t let her quit.
“There were so many times I wanted to give up,” Christina said. “But my instructors kept pushing me. They were patient and encouraging, and by the end, I passed the module with a 94 percent. They made sure I didn’t give up on myself.”
“Christina is an incredible example of resilience and determination,” said Anthony Urrea, Dental Assistant Instructor at UEI College Huntington Park. “She came to us facing personal challenges, but she never let them define her. Instead, she used her experiences as motivation to push forward. Watching her grow into a confident student, leader, and role model for her peers has been inspiring. I know she will carry that same strength and compassion into her externship and career in dental assisting.”
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Recovering Loudly as a Student Leader
Christina’s decision to register in the Dental Assistant program is rooted in both personal experiences and family influence. Her mother worked in the medical field, and she remembers watching her grandfather struggle with dentures growing up.
“I always wanted to do something in healthcare, but I knew I didn’t want to work with needles,” Christina said. “Helping people with their dental health, especially people like my grandpa who struggled, feels like the right path for me.”
With her externship just around the corner, Christina is eager to take the next step in her journey. She’s excited about building a stable career not just for herself, but for her four children who have been her biggest motivation throughout it all.
“My kids mean the world to me, times infinity,” she said. “Every day when I come home tired from school, and my boyfriend tells me he’s proud of me, that’s everything. I know I’m building a future my kids can be proud of, too.”
Christina’s growth at UEI has gone beyond academics. She is now a Student Ambassador, a role she never imagined for herself when she first enrolled.
At first, she thought she’d simply finish her program quietly and move on to her career. But then she realized how important it was to share her story with others.
“When we recover loudly, we keep others from suffering in silence,” Christina said. “I want other students to know they’re not alone. I didn’t have someone like me when I first started, but I can be that person for others now.”
Becoming an ambassador has helped keep her motivated and accountable as well. “If I start slipping, they’re on me,” she laughed. “But that’s what I need — something to keep me focused and on track.”
For anyone considering the Dental Assistant program at UEI College, Christina’s advice is simple but heartfelt.
“Take everything one day at a time, and be patient with yourself,” she said. “Don’t rush, don’t beat yourself up. And most importantly, don’t give up because this school won’t give up on you.”
