UEI Dental Assistant Student Finds a New Career Path in Healthcare

Jazzlyn Glass always wanted more for herself. But life kept getting in the way.

Before enrolling at UEI College, she had already spent a few years working in the medical field as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It’s a role she took pride in, but it became too physically demanding due to her own health challenges.

“I wanted to stay in healthcare, but I had to find something that worked better for me,” she said.

Jazzlyn worked as a crossing guard while raising her five daughters and trying to find a path that allowed her to support her family while building a future for herself — something she’s struggled with in the past.

“I felt like I never finished what I started,” she said. “So, I challenged myself. I thought, OK, go to school, and really do it this time.”

This led her to enroll in the Dental Assistant program at UEI College’s Huntington Park campus. Now, after completing her final month and entering her externship, Jazzlyn is in the final stretch of her education and training. And best yet, she’s confident she found a role that not only fits her life, but which motivated her to follow through on the promise she made herself.

Finding a New Path Forward

Before choosing UEI College, Jazzlyn’s life was already busy. Working as a crossing guard allowed her to stay connected to her community while being present for her kids. And at home, she was raising five daughters between the ages of 6 and 15, each with their own schedules and needs.

School was something she’d often considered, but she never quite found the right fit.

Jazzlyn tried community college once, but balancing coursework with parenting and other everyday responsibilities proved difficult. Eventually, she stepped away after being put on academic probation.

“I had a lot of personal stuff going on along with handling my kids,” she said. “It just wasn’t going to work out for me at the time.”

Having worked in healthcare before — but having to move on from being a CNA due to her own medical limitations — Jazzlyn said she could see herself continuing in that direction. So, she began looking at other options.

That’s when she started looking into dental assisting. It offered hands-on work without the heavy lifting, and it’s a position that would provide career options while aligning with her life as a parent.

And UEI College made that path feel more realistic for her.

“If I’m going to be completely honest, I just don’t like school,” she said. “So, if I’m going to go, I wanted a shorter program — something I could actually finish.”

Having witnessed a niece successfully complete UEI’s Dental Assistant program, Jazzlyn felt confident the school and its ten-month curriculum would be right for her.

Investing in Herself

From the beginning, Jazzlyn approached the Dental Assistant program differently than she had with past education and training. She wasn’t just going to try it out; she was enrolling to finish the program.

“I told myself I was going to make time for this,” she said. “I invested in myself.”

That commitment showed up in her performance. Jazzlyn has been on the honor roll throughout the program, a milestone that reflects her effort as well as her growth as a student and a person.

“I’ve learned so much,” she said. “UEI really opened my brain to thinking more.”

The structure of the program helped. With daytime work and evening classes, she was able to maintain her responsibilities while staying focused on school. It wasn’t always easy, especially with five kids at home, but it worked. And her daughters noticed.

“They’ve been excited, but also a little sad because I’m gone at night,” Jazzlyn said. “But they know that what I’m doing, I’m doing it for them.”

That understanding has been a powerful motivator. For Jazzlyn, this journey has always been about more than herself. She said she wants her daughters to see that despite your age, anything is possible if you do the work.

She added that support from instructors and staff played a major role in helping her stay on track. She credits teachers like Laura Urrea, Erwin Gomez, Alexis Fregoso, and Anthony Urrea for their patience and willingness to help students push through challenges.

“They don’t let you give up,” she said. “Even when I was frustrated, they pushed me.”

That support made a difference during moments when she felt overwhelmed or unsure. Instead of stepping away, Jazzlyn leaned in, asking questions and communicating openly.

“They’re there for you,” she said. “You just have to speak up and let them guide you.”

With graduation close and her externship on the horizon, Jazzlyn is taking a moment to appreciate how far she’s come. This is the first time she’s followed through on a commitment to school from start to finish. It’s a milestone that carries weight, especially given everything she’s balancing.

Next comes real-world experience in the dental field, where she plans to build her skills and see where the path leads.

“I’m going to give myself a break and then figure out what’s next,” she said. “It’s been a great experience. I’m happy I did it.”