Oceanside Medical Assistant Student Tapped for Scholarship from CAPPS
Enilda Aguilar, a Medical Assistant student at UEI College in Oceanside, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Mike Mikhail Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS). This honor recognizes students who are recent immigrants or first-generation Americans and embody resilience, perseverance, and hope — qualities Enilda exemplifies in her inspiring journey.
UEI College in Oceanside hosted a special ceremony to present her with the scholarship.
“My name is Enilda Aguilar, I’m from Brazil,” she said. “I am grateful to be here today.”
Enilda arrived in the United States in December of 2023, leaving behind her close-knit family, including her beloved grandson and her three-year-old granddaughter.
“The decision to leave them behind was heartbreaking, yet it was fueled by a deep desire to pursue a better life and future for herself and, ultimately, her family,” said Jaclyn Marquez, Executive Director of UEI College Oceanside.
For Enilda, the move represented both a sacrifice and an opportunity to build a foundation for a brighter future.
Upon arriving, Enilda wasted no time. “I immediately started studying English. Today, I can communicate somewhat,” she said. Her husband, an instructor at UEI, encouraged her to explore the college’s programs. “My husband asked me if there were any courses I was interested in. I picked the medical assistant course because I already have a senior care certification,” Enilda said. “I like to care for others, so I decided to take this wonderful program to expand my knowledge with patients and earn a medical assistant diploma. This is why I chose UEI College.”
Since enrolling, Enilda has demonstrated extraordinary dedication. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and learning English, she maintains a 3.18 GPA, ranking near the top of her class.
“In the short time since her arrival, Enilda has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and strength of character,” Jaclyn said. “Every day, Enilda navigates the academic demands of her program while simultaneously learning a new language, often staying up until 2 or 3 a.m. to complete her homework.”
Enilda’s early days at UEI were intimidating, but she found the support she needed to thrive. “When I started the program, I was having a severe anxiety attack, didn’t communicate well, and understood almost nothing,” she said. “I used a translation headset to help me, and everyone in the classroom supported me. I was very well received by the entire UEI team and with the support of my husband.”
Her determination, coupled with the support of her instructors and peers, helped her persevere. “Her effort and determination inspire not only her classmates, but also the educators who have the privilege of supporting her,” Jaclyn said.
The emotional weight of separation from her family, combined with language challenges tested Enilda’s resolve. “Enilda’s journey is not without struggle,” Jaclyn said. “Yet, despite these challenges, she shows up every day with grace, humility, and courage.”
Reflecting on her challenges, Enilda said, “I thought about giving up a few times, but I faced it, overcame my anxiety, and am much better today. I feel accomplished and did my best in the MA course, making the honor roll. This experience was very challenging but so rewarding.”
Enilda credits her instructors for her perseverance. “I still hear my dear instructor, Mr. Yanez, say: ‘There will always be challenges but never give up.’ With these words, I gained confidence and perseverance with each challenge I conquered,” she said.
Now in her externship, Enilda is close to completing her program. “I’m in my externship and still have a few hours to go before I finish and wait for my long-awaited graduation,” she shared.
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Earning a CAPPS Scholarship
The Mike Mikhail Memorial Scholarship honors students who, like its namesake, demonstrate tenacity and humility. “Enilda is the embodiment of what it means to be a first-generation American: courageous in the face of uncertainty, determined in the pursuit of opportunity, and deeply committed to making a better future not only for herself but for the generations to come,” Jaclyn said. “I can think of no better candidate for this award.”
For Enilda, the scholarship is a milestone in her journey. “I am deeply honored to receive the Mike Mikhail Memorial Scholarship,” she said. “This support means so much to me as I work toward my goals and a better future for my family. I am grateful to CAPPS and UEI College for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”
“My experiences at UEI have shaped my goals as well as my expectations for my future career. I will continue in the healthcare field with great certainty, perseverance, and resilience, always seeking more knowledge, experiences, and facing new challenges,” she added. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that UEI College has given me to improve my career options and given me a career path that I can be proud of.”
As Enilda nears graduation, she remains focused on her dream of becoming a medical assistant and reuniting with her family. “She is building a foundation through education that will not only transform her own life but eventually benefit the very family she misses so deeply,” Jaclyn said. With her resilience and determination, Enilda is not only chasing her dreams but also inspiring others to persevere in their own journeys.
