From Braids to Blood Pressure Cuffs: A Bold Midlife Shift
At 51, Rhondeshia Wilfort didn’t return to school chasing a second chance. She came to claim her next chapter, proving that purpose and passion have no age limit.
Before enrolling in the Medical Assistant program at UEI College in Sacramento, Rhondeshia was a beloved braider, gas station manager, and community connector. “I always thought I was a doctor at heart, even when I was a beautician,” she laughed. “I just love making people feel good.”
Her dream of a medical career lingered for over 20 years, quietly waiting for the right moment. That moment arrived through persistent UEI commercials urging, “you can do it.” Eventually, she believed them.
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The transition wasn’t seamless. “That first day, I walked into class and realized I was surrounded by students who had just graduated high school,” she recalled. “It was overwhelming.”
Instead of retreating, Rhondeshia adapted, switching to a 5 a.m. class to find her stride. She hasn’t faltered since, earning perfect attendance every term.
Her achievements extend beyond showing up. Rhondeshia has secured four Perfect Attendance Awards, made the President’s List three times, and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Her recipe for success? “Discipline, focus, and reminding myself daily that I’m capable of achieving anything,” she said. “I prayed on this decision, and now I’m walking in my purpose.”
Rhondeshia’s decades of people-first experience shined in her externship at a nephrology clinic. Her warmth, patience, and communication skills made her a natural fit. “It’s such a great fit,” she said. “And they kept me on once I graduated.”
Her ambitions reach further. “Next, I want to become a phlebotomist. And after that, a registered nurse,” she added with her signature mix of realism and optimism. “I’m just going to keep climbing.”
What makes Rhondeshia remarkable isn’t just her academic excellence, it’s her presence. She inspires classmates and challenges anyone doubting their potential. “It’s never too late,” she said. “Success doesn’t depend on your age. It depends on your drive.”
For Rhondeshia, UEI College is more than a school. It’s the foundation for a future she’s crafting with clarity, compassion, and courage. Her journey reminds us: the first step is intimidating, but it’s where transformation begins.
