From the Classroom to the Clinic: How One Mother Found Her Calling

People with hearts of service go beyond their inner circles and out into the world to help strangers. They are the true pillars of our communities and the people we turn to in times of need. Recent UEI College Fresno Medical Assistant graduate, Michelle Rodarte, is one of those people. A single mom inspired by her kids and family members has led her to a career in healthcare.

Michelle Rodarte began her career in education where she spent 17 years working with children and families, learning to lead with compassion. As the sole provider for her children, life was always busy in and out of the classroom, but things slowed down when her mom became sick.

“I went to all of her doctor’s appointments and was her caregiver when she had to stay in the hospital,” Michelle said. “The whole experience opened my eyes.” Michelle started to think about people going through health problems that didn’t have a family member to lean on. “I felt like I could do even more for my community,” she said.

When she enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at UEI College in Fresno, she wanted to show her children that it’s never too late to learn and start something new. With this big life change came some challenges, adjusting to a new career later in life, being surrounded by younger classmates, and managing the demands of studying while dealing with housing instability.

“It was scary,” Michelle said. She felt her fears and personal struggles would negatively affect her education and new career. “My classmates were my daughter’s age but I became really close to a lot of them, kind of like an aunt.” The positive bonds she formed with classmates and her respect for her instructor, Mr. Cardinal, who provided guidance and a positive learning atmosphere carried her through challenging times. “My instructor was aware of my situation, he made the classroom fun and created a safe space where I didn’t feel as stressed. He made sure I could learn.”

Michelle aims to work with diverse populations and utilizing her skills in phlebotomy and child development to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare community. She feels a role in a family practice where she can serve patients across all age groups would be a perfect fit.

With her background as a teacher and her new knowledge as a medical professional, she wants to use her skills to bring comfort and a sense of hope to patients, especially those who may not have family support. “I want to utilize everything I know and bring it all together,” she said. “I want to help.”