Taking Steps Towards Her Dream Career
For Yanaisa Estrada, becoming a Medical Assistant is more than a job—it’s the first major step toward a lifelong dream of a career in medicine.
“I was in the middle of getting my GED, and I told my teacher I wanted to become a medical assistant before going to medical school,” she said. “She told me UEI College in Phoenix was a good school to go to and so I made a plan to apply as soon as I had earned my GED. I called to schedule a tour. I brought all my paperwork, and I signed up that day. I was so excited.”
For as long as she can remember, the medical field has been part of her identity.
“My mom was a CNA, and according to my family, even at seven years old I knew I wanted to be in healthcare,” she said. “First it was being a vet, then a doctor, then a psychologist, and then a surgeon.”
Today, she’s deciding between general surgery and trauma surgery.
“I’m leaning toward trauma because I have ADHD and I do really well under pressure,” she laughed.
While the end goal has always been clear, getting there didn’t always come easy.
“Junior year I dealt with mental health issues and missed a lot of school,” she said. “My senior year I moved to a credit recovery class so I could graduate on time. But, before I could finish, I moved to Phoenix.”
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Still, she came to UEI determined.
“I brought all my paperwork because I was ready to start. It all happened fast, but I liked it.”
Starting classes was nerve-wracking, but she quickly found her rhythm.
“I didn’t really know what I was doing at first, but once I saw my teacher do it a few times, I got the hang of it,” she said. “Homework was the main struggle, but overall, I’m doing great.”
Years of navigating her own medical issues, like asthma and frequent hospital stays, gave Yanaisa unexpected insight.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals. I’m really good as a patient,” she said. “I know how things should be done, what I can ask for, and I’ve learned when to relax and trust the staff.”
That perspective now helps her in training.
“As medical assistants, we help take in patients and make sure they’re accommodated. Being a patient myself helps me understand what people need when they come in.”
The Medical Assisting program at UEI has given her more than skills—it’s given her confidence.
“I’m learning how to answer phones, greet patients, give injections, take blood, and stay calm. If you freak out, they freak out,” she said. “It makes me feel more like an adult. More accomplished. I’m a step closer to where I want to be in life.”
And the timing couldn’t have been better.
“Going to UEI felt like something good was finally happening for me… I’ve made great friends. And my instructor is amazing. She always listens to me and pushes me to do what I need to do. That’s why I like her.”
With a few months to go, Yanaisa can’t wait to get hands-on experience in the field. Her goal is to strike the perfect balance of warm and professional.
“I want my patients to know they can talk to me, but also that I’m going to be professional. I want to bring that balance.”
From earning a GED to stepping confidently toward a future in medicine, UEI has been the turning point Yanaisa needed, and she’s not shy about telling others.
“If you want to do anything in the medical field, you should go to this school. UEI has great programs even outside medical assisting. Starting school has helped me so much.”
