Brandon is the first to admit his background is not the best, but when he was ready to move forward with his life, he found the help and support he needed at UEI College in Stockton.
For most of his adult life, Brandon was addicted to drugs. Two and a half years ago, he hit rock bottom.
“My addiction landed me in some God-awful places,” he admitted. “I was completely done. I hit rock bottom and couldn’t take it anymore.”
Brandon made a quick decision to get sober. Making a change was not easy. Even after he became sober, it still took him a few years to consider going back to school. He had always worked in warehouses or as a cook. The jobs were easy to get but they were not challenging.
Each baby step and each day of sobriety was pushing him closer to a career.
One day, a social media post introduced Brandon to UEI College in Stockton and the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. He decided to take a leap.
“I wanted a different career,” he said. “I was working these mundane jobs and honestly, I wanted a different career and I jumped on it.”
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In the beginning the experience was a bit overwhelming.
“I was out of school for more than 20 years,” Brandon admitted. “Trying to start something new and coming from the background I’ve had, to take that big leap was a big deal. It was scary and intimidating and life changing.”
It took some time to adjust to a new schedule and expectations, but Brandon found it was possible.
“I felt like I was ready,” he said. “I wanted to change my life. I wanted to be able to make big leaps in life.”
HVAC provided a unique challenge for Brandon. Not only was the work physical, but he found it mentally stimulating as well. Each day provides a new puzzle to try to figure out. That challenge was just what he needed to stay engaged and committed and put aside any potential distractions from the outside world.
Now a graduate from the program, Brandon has learned he’s capable of more than he thought.
“If I can do it, you can do it,” he said. “Just keep with it. Don’t give up just yet.”
The staff at UEI College have also helped make the transition possible. UEI College is proud to accept students from all backgrounds and compassionate instructors help bring the curriculum to life for the students. For Brandon, it has been all he needed.
“It’s been a really good experience,” he said.
