Turning Determination Into Direction at UEI Dallas
It’s easy to scroll past motivational quotes. But for Christal Alvarez, a student in the Medical Assistant program at United Education Institute (UEI) in Dallas, a quote scribbled on her planner became more than decoration.
“I started writing down daily goals and adding little motivational messages,” she said. “That calendar became the one space where I could get my thoughts in order.”
Christal’s days are long and full. As a full-time mother, caregiver, and student, she spends her mornings and afternoons tending to her baby, cooking and cleaning for her mother, and squeezing in coursework between Zoom lectures and household responsibilities. There were times when the weight of it all felt like too much. She would think, “I don’t want to do this anymore.” But each time that feeling crept in, she found small ways to push back.
Sometimes that meant taking five quiet minutes to herself, watching a video, or escaping into music. Other times it meant leaning on the words of her instructor, Bria Shannon, who offers weekly grade check-ins and motivational pep talks. “She always tells us what we need to get done to stay on track,” Christal said. “And she gives us real advice. It helps more than she probably knows.”
What really helped Christal stay grounded, though, was the sense of community she found in her classroom. Surrounded by classmates who were equally driven and determined, she began to see herself differently. “They’re all trying to do something better with their lives, just like I am. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in this.”
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Despite the exhaustion and stress that comes with juggling so many responsibilities, Christal found moments of clarity that reminded her why she started this path. “When I started practicing injections in class, I thought, yeah, this is what I want to do. I love it.”
Those hands-on experiences confirmed her career choice and gave her confidence. For the first time, she felt herself becoming someone she could be proud of. Someone who is capable, focused, and resilient.
To others who might be overwhelmed or doubting their path, Christal offers this advice: “Make a schedule for yourself. Give yourself time to breathe. Pray if you need to. But most of all, don’t give up.”
Christal is building a future for herself and for her family. She knows the road hasn’t been easy, but every small goal checked off her calendar brings her one step closer to the life she envisions and she’s determined to see it through.
