From Struggling Mom to Medical Assistant: UEI Helped Riverside Student Rewrite Her Family’s Future

When Chasmyne Williams puts on her UEI College medical assistant (MA) scrubs, her three young sons light up. They proudly boast that “Mommy’s a doctor!” and ask for toy doctor kits at the store so they can play along at home.

Homework time at the Williams home looks different now, too. When her boys sit down to do their assignments, she does hers right beside them.

For Chasmyne, this change represents something bigger than just a new routine. It reflects a promise she made to herself and her children: to build a better life, to show them it’s never too late to start over, and to pursue a career helping people who can’t always help themselves.

Now, as a graduate from the Medical Assistant program at UEI College’s Riverside campus, with her externship complete, she’s turning that promise into reality.

Finding Her Footing in the Medical Field

Not long ago, life looked different for Chasmyne.

“I was actually struggling,” she said. “I have three baby boys [ages] 10, 5, and 3, and I was just struggling making ends meet. I was even out collecting cans just trying  to do better for my kids. I just got tired.”

She grew up in a low-income environment and knew firsthand what it was like to go without. More than anything, she didn’t want that same life for her sons.

“Where I come from — poverty and low income — I just didn’t have, and I always wanted my boys to have,” she said.

In the middle of that struggle, a friend of hers graduated from UEI College. This friend spoke highly of the school and her on-campus experience, so Chasmyne decided to visit the Riverside campus herself. She took a tour and, in the end, completed her application to enroll in the Medical Assistant program.

Healthcare wasn’t a new interest for Chasmyne. She had experience as an in-home care provider and had volunteered in hospital settings.

“I’ve always loved helping people, especially people who can’t help themselves,” she said.

The Medical Assistant program at UEI gave her a way to turn that passion into a profession. Still, getting started wasn’t a perfectly smooth process. At first, procrastination and self-doubt got in the way.

That’s when her instructors and UEI staff stepped in. Specifically, instructor Susan Rambert refused to let her underestimate herself.

“She always kept reaching out to me and letting me know I have potential,” Chasmyne said. “She told me, ‘Stop doubting yourself. You’re one of my best students.’”

This sentiment was echoed by administrators at the Riverside campus who would often remind her that despite her hardships, she’s still in control of her destiny. In Chasmyne’s words, they created a “home dynamic” on campus that made a huge difference in elevating her confidence.

And as her confidence grew, her achievements followed. Chasmyne became a student ambassador and made the honor roll several times.

“That told me this was made for me,” she said. “I went ahead and did it and I fell in love with it. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

From Struggle to Success

But for all the professional doors opening for Chasmyne’s right now, the most meaningful impact of her UEI journey might be the one happening at home.

Her sons are proud to see her in uniform, and the “Mommy’s a doctor” comments, the toy doctor kits, and their growing focus on schoolwork all show her that they’re watching and inspired by her commitment.

“You can just tell that they’re happy,” she said. “They’re more into their work and studies. When they do homework, I do homework. It’s an all-around better dynamic.”

Being back in the classroom has also reminded Chasmyne of her own strengths.

“Being a student at UEI has shaped me because it has shown me things about myself that I had forgotten about, like how much I love being in a classroom and how I push myself to limits that I didn’t even know I could reach,” she said. “Being back in a classroom setting has shown me that the sky is the limit. It just depends on how much you are willing to go for your dreams.”

Looking ahead, she views her medical assistant training as just a first step. Chasmyne’s long-term goal is to continue her education, become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and then a Registered Nurse (RN), and work in a hospital setting.

She’s motivated by the belief that patients deserve more than routine care.

“I feel nowadays, the time that we live in, people forget about the little details,” she said. “They’re doing it for a check and they’re forgetting that these people that you’re caring for are like your family members. Sometimes you just need someone to come check on you, have a little conversation, and treat you like a human being.”

To anyone considering the Medical Assistant program at UEI College, her message is honest but hopeful.

“It’s going to be a lot of tears and a lot of doubts,” she said. “But just keep going and keep your mind on that one goal you have. Don’t let anyone get in your way. There’s going to be ups and downs, but if it’s meant for you, it’ll happen.”