Taking a Leap of Faith: How a Gardena MA Student Found Confidence at UEI
After high school, Janaya Wilburn’s plans for college didn’t unfold the way she had hoped. Tuition costs and deadlines got in the way, and she found herself working instead of pursuing school full time.
For a while, she even tried juggling work with community college classes, but balancing the two felt impossible. So, she turned to full-time caregiving.
“I started caregiving in 2024, helping people one-on-one with their daily needs, being there for their well-being and companionship,” she said. “It gave me the chance to really know people on a personal level, to hear their life stories, and to feel like I was making a difference.”
“That experience sparked something in me,” she added. “It made me realize I wanted to take this further on a professional level.”
Janaya began exploring the medical field more seriously. She wanted a career where she could combine her natural compassion with real clinical skills, and the Medical Assistant program at UEI College in Gardena seemed like the ideal fit.
Even before her caregiving job, Janaya had looked into vocational schools and MA programs, but something was always missing. So, when she first stepped onto the UEI College Gardena campus for a tour, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
With a mix of trepidation, hope, and a longing to find the right path, Janaya was prepared to feel overwhelmed. But what she found that day was not only a school, but a community that believed in her potential.
“I came in feeling scared, unsure of what the future held for me,” Janaya said. “But as my representative guided me through the campus, I saw a quote in the Medical Assistant classroom that read, ‘Community is strong when people are willing to succeed.’
“At that moment, I felt peace and certainty. I knew UEI was where I belonged.”
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And once she started classes, her doubts began to fade.
“I realized right away this was something I wanted to stick with and grow into,” Janaya said. “UEI offered me the support and encouragement I needed. I couldn’t ask for a better college.”
One of the biggest influences on Janaya’s experience has been her instructors, especially Yojana Morataya.
“When I first got there, I wasn’t sure if this program was for me,” Janaya said. “But Ms. Morataya was so detailed about the teaching and about the field. She shared her own experiences, which really motivated me. She answered every question I had or pointed me toward the right resources. Her way of teaching really resonated with me.”
Beyond the classroom, Janaya also found ways to support her peers. As a Student Ambassador, she’s taken on the role of encouraging others, just as she was encouraged when she first arrived.
“It’s not just about helping patients. It’s also about helping classmates, teachers, and staff,” she said. “UEI showed me that.”
Janaya recently completed her externship and earned her diploma in the Medical Assistant program. While the clinic she trained at offered her a position, she didn’t feel it was the right fit. So, she’s currently working with a UEI Career Specialist to explore opportunities.
“I want to do the thing I love to do, in a place where I can grow,” she said. “That’s the beauty of this field. There are so many opportunities, and you feel secure knowing the skills you’ve gained will always be needed.”
Reflecting on her journey, Janaya is proud of her growth and her overall success as a student.
“I maintained all A’s, became an ambassador, and pushed through even when I doubted myself,” she said. “Being at UEI was a blessing.”
For anyone considering the Medical Assistant program at UEI, Janaya offers this advice:
“Do your research, ask all the questions you have, and really use the staff as a resource,” she said. “They know so much about the field and want to help you succeed. And most importantly, don’t let fear or doubt stop you from pursuing your dreams. Once you take that leap of faith, good things will happen.”
