Yenefer R., a surgical technology student at American Career College-Ontario, is no stranger to balancing a demanding schedule. As the mother of two, a federal work-study student, and a first-generation college student, she is navigating an accelerated program that pushes her to juggle multiple roles — all while staying focused on her goal of building a better future for her family.
Expected to graduate in May 2025, Yenefer has embraced the fast-paced nature of her surgical technology program, finding it both challenging and rewarding. The hands-on training has allowed her to discover new skills and stay engaged in her studies.
“Lab for me has been my number one. I’ve enjoyed learning the instruments and setting up the back table for surgery,” she said. “It’s not just passing instruments to the surgeon; you have to keep in mind what they need next.”
Her passion for healthcare was sparked by early childhood experiences helping her father with minor injuries. Initially, she planned to pursue a career as a medical assistant but switched to surgical technology after speaking with an advisor. While the field presented new challenges, Yenefer embraced the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Balancing her personal and academic responsibilities hasn’t been easy. As the mother of an 11-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son, she acknowledges the struggles of keeping up with coursework while raising children. Yet, her children remain her primary motivation.
“I’m doing this for my kids. I want them to look at me and be like, my mom did this even while having kids,” she shared. “I received honor roll, and my daughter was so proud of me, that’s what I want for my kids.”
As a first-generation college student, Yenefer is breaking barriers for herself and setting a precedent for her family. Her parents, who emigrated from Mexico, worked hard to provide better opportunities for their children, and Yenefer takes pride in being able to give back to them through her education.
“Graduating is going to impact me a lot,” she said. “It’s going to show that my parents didn’t come here for nothing, that they did something good in me. They struggled for me, so I’m giving something back to them.”
With graduation on the horizon, Yenefer is focused on finishing strong and entering the workforce as a surgical technologist. Her journey so far has been a testament to resilience, and she hopes her story will inspire other parents and first-generation students to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.