Leading By Example: Ontario Mom Harnesses Better Future for Family at UEI

It wasn’t very long ago that Stefany Marquez felt she was at a crossroads. She had a newborn daughter at home, a 7-year-old son watching everything she did, and a full-time work-from-home job reviewing medical records related to workers’ compensation and liability cases.

She had held the position for five years, but over time it began to feel less like a career and more like a routine.

“I just kind of felt like the job didn’t really serve a purpose anymore,” Stefany said. “There wasn’t a lot of room for growth.”

Instead of settling for that feeling, Stefany made a decision that would change the direction of her life. She enrolled in the Medical Office Specialist program at UEI College’s Ontario campus, looking to turn her professional experience into a career with a future.

And as she approaches graduation, she’s preparing to begin a new journey toward healthcare administration. She’ll also become the first college graduate in her family, a milestone she hopes will inspire both of her children and show them what’s possible when you take a chance on yourself.

Inspired to Go Back to School

Returning to school was not a decision Stefany made lightly. Like a lot of adult learners, she’d spent years putting family responsibilities ahead of her own education. The idea of stepping back into a classroom gave her feelings of both excitement and uncertainty.

Still, she knew she wanted something more meaningful for her future.

Part of what helped her move forward was seeing people close to her succeed after making a similar decision. Her fiancé attended a trade school in Ontario, completing the welding program and securing full-time work in the field.

Watching his post-graduate success made the idea of going back to school feel more realistic. She also loved the idea of her kids seeing both of their parents commit to an education and career training.

“I wanted to give both my kids that extra push,” Stefany said. “I want them to see that both of their parents graduated from college.”

It so happens that UEI’s hybrid structure for teaching and training matched the way she learns best.

“I focus better when I’m physically in a lab,” Stefany said. “Going to campus a couple of times a week gives me purpose and helps me stay engaged.”

Stefany found herself drawn to the Medical Office Specialist program because it combined administrative work with patient interaction. She said she enjoys engaging with people and helping them feel comfortable during stressful situations.

“I like being on the front end with patients,” she said. “Sometimes people just need reassurance that things are going to be OK.”

Support from School and Family

As Stefany progressed through the Medical Office Specialist program, her confidence evolved right along with her career training. Each completed assignment and mastered concept reinforced her belief that she belonged in the program.

“Before coming here, I questioned whether I could really do this,” she said. “Now I know that I can.”

She credits much of that growth to the support she received from instructors and staff on campus. One instructor in particular, Ana Martinez, made a strong impression by simply making an extra effort to ensure students understood the material.

“If you’re struggling with something, she’ll give you that extra time to help you understand it,” Stefany said.

Beyond the classroom, Stefany said the campus culture has also helped her stay motivated. From recognizing attendance achievements to encouraging student engagement, she felt the staff made a genuine effort to help students succeed.

“It’s a really welcoming environment, and everyone wants to see you do well,” she said.

That encouragement carried over into her home life, where her progress quickly became a source of pride for her family. Her son, especially, has taken notice of the milestones she’s achieved during the program.

“He gets really excited when I tell him I made honor roll,” Stefany said. “He likes to boast about how we get honor roll all the time together. And once, he actually asked me to go to his school in my scrubs for career day.”

Watching his mother work hard toward her educational goals has even influenced how her son approaches his own schoolwork.

“He’ll say he can’t go outside until he finishes his homework,” she said. “And he’s already talking about going to college like his mom and dad.”

A Decision That’s Paying Off

With graduation approaching, Stefany has started to consider her options for the future. Right now, she’d like to work in a pediatric medical or dental office — a setting where she can combine administrative responsibilities with patient interaction.

Over time, she would like to expand her knowledge of medical coding and office operations, with the long-term goal of managing a healthcare office.

For others who might be considering a similar step, Stefany offers advice that reflects her own mindset and experiences leading up to her enrollment at UEI.

“Don’t be afraid to take the risk,” she said. “I’m almost 34 years old, and I feel like after I graduated high school, I let life and other things get in the way. But you just never know what you’re capable of until you try.”

As she approaches the final weeks of the program, Stefany says the decision to invest in her education has already proven worthwhile.

“I’m really proud of myself for finishing,” she said.