For Glenda R., graduating as a medical assistant was an emotional and transformative milestone. Speaking at Toyota Arena in Ontario during her graduation ceremony, Glenda reflected on how she overcame years of delay to achieve her dream.
“This is huge,” she said. “It’s definitely something I didn’t expect looking back.”
Glenda had always envisioned furthering her education, but life’s demands — raising a family and working — kept her from pursuing it earlier. The turning point came when she lost her job, which she saw as an opportunity to make a change. Previously, she had worked at a small clinic where, without formal training, she took on medical assistant duties and discovered her passion for the field. Deciding to build a more secure future, she chose to formalize her experience in healthcare.
“I ended up loving it, so I figured I might as well pursue it and make it official,” she explained.
While her path to graduation was far from easy, Glenda’s determination helped her persevere through challenging moments. She admitted that at the start of the program, doubts crept in.
“On the first day, I was already like, ‘Oh, I can’t do this. I’m going to quit,’” she said. “By the end, I didn’t even want it to end. I told my instructor, ‘I’m not ready to graduate. I like the class!’”
Now working at UC Irvine, Glenda expressed gratitude for her role and the opportunities it brings. She emphasized the importance of starting sooner, urging others not to let time slip away.
“Time just flies by, and we take that for granted,” she said. “Don’t procrastinate. Start as early as you can — it’s easier when you’re younger — but it’s still possible, no matter how old you are.”
Her journey also reinforced the value of persistence and passion. Glenda offered advice to those considering a return to school: “Find your passion, set that goal, and work hard.”
