Gardena Mom Says UEI a Worthy Sacrifice

For nearly a decade, Suemi Pech worked in customer service, primarily across the food service industry. The shifts were long and the income steady, but as her family expanded, so did her conviction that she could build a more rewarding future for her household and community.

Above all, she wanted more quality time with her three children—and a stable career rooted in meaningful work.

“I wanted my kids to be proud of me,” Suemi said. “I wanted a career where I could make a tangible difference and feel valued—not just treated like another employee or an ID number.”

Suemi took a decisive step toward that goal by enrolling in the Dental Assistant program at UEI College in Gardena. Now preparing for both her upcoming clinical externship and the arrival of her fourth child, she is ready to build a sustainable career that will support her family for decades to come.

Choosing a Career with Purpose

Before arriving at the College, Suemi spent 10 years in front-line customer service roles. While those positions honed her interpersonal skills, none offered the upward mobility, scheduling stability, or personal fulfillment she sought.

“I realized I needed a schedule that worked for my family,” she said. “I wanted a career that allowed me to truly be there for my children.”

At that point, the College was already a familiar name in her household. Her brother-in-law graduated from UEI, and she watched firsthand how his instructors kept him engaged and how his credential accelerated his career path.

“Seeing his professional growth inspired me to look closely at the College, too,” she recalled.

Because he trained as a dental assistant, Suemi explored the field herself, quickly recognizing how closely the profession aligned with her natural strengths.

“I wanted to help restore people’s smiles,” she said. “So many people feel self-conscious about their dental health. Being able to transform someone’s confidence like that—that’s powerful work.”

The opportunity to help pediatric patients feel comfortable and secure in the dental chair held special appeal. After discussing the commitment with her husband and touring the Gardena campus, Suemi enrolled, immediately confident in her decision.

Growing More Confident in the Classroom

Suemi readily admits she didn’t realize the scientific depth required in oral healthcare until her coursework began.

“You might assume it’s just about cleaning teeth, but there is so much medical science, pharmacology, and anatomy behind it,” she said. “I genuinely love mastering the details.”

Now in her final classroom module before entering externship, Suemi credits the College with reshaping her personal and professional identity.

“Before I started, I felt like something was missing,” she said. “I lacked a defined career trajectory. Now I have a clear vision of what my future looks like.”

From dental anatomy and radiology to chairside instrumentation and infection control, each module has reinforced her passion for clinical care. She takes pride in maintaining strong academic marks while managing household demands and preparing for a new baby.

Her faculty members have been instrumental in that journey. While she praises the entire campus team, instructor Monica Cornista made an especially enduring impression.

“She inspires me every day,” Suemi said. “She brings immense patience, explains complex procedures thoroughly, and is always available whenever I need additional guidance.”

Ms. Cornista even coordinated a baby shower for Suemi on campus, an act of kindness that cemented her sense of belonging.

“Knowing I have that level of support behind me has made all the difference,” she said.

A Worthwhile Sacrifice

As she prepares to begin her clinical externship, Suemi is already exploring long-term clinical pathways, with pediatric dentistry and orthodontics at the top of her list.

“Working with young patients and assisting with orthodontic treatments would be deeply rewarding,” she said.

Her immediate milestone is completing her externship, passing her board examinations, and earning her credential as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), with long-term plans to pursue specialized certifications.

For now, her focus remains locked on finishing her training strong, gaining valuable chairside hours, and stepping into the operatory with total confidence.

“I honestly wondered if this was possible as a busy mom,” she said. “But the journey has been incredible. Once you step into the dental field, you see firsthand the impact you have. Restoring someone’s smile transforms how they view themselves.”

For other parents weighing whether to return to school, Suemi emphasizes that the reward far outweighs the temporary hurdles.

“It’s worth every late night,” she said. “Even when the balance is demanding, the investment in your family’s future is worth every sacrifice.”