Nicholas Willard has always had a passion for art and an ability to succeed, but the Business Office Administration program at UEI College in Reseda gave him the credentials and the knowledge he needed to really be successful.
Nicholas grew up in Georgia and said when it comes to art, he has always been successful. He left his college program in 2005, to focus on opening his own tattoo shop. As the business took off, he decided to move to California.
Unfortunately, things haven’t always been smooth sailing. Nicholas got caught up in the wrong crowd and ended up in federal custody for a year.
“I was in a real dark place at one point, and I was in a situation where my freedom was taken away,” he said. “I knew I was going to get out, I just didn’t know when. For me, a year was a really long time. I was fortunate that my lawyer got me into a program that helps me with a lot of things. Emerging from federal custody ignited an unimaginable desire for me to be a better version of myself. The pursuit of education became my chance of hope, a chance to redefine my narrative.”
With his new freedom, Nicholas set out to improve his business skills and build a new business he could really be proud of.
“When I came to UEI for orientation I liked it off the bat,” he said. “I thought it was outstanding how they approached me with the different ways and certain classes. I knew I wanted to do business. I wanted to know the inside of a business. How a business should be run. How to be professional with it. As soon as I came to UEI in Reseda I didn’t want to look any further into schools. I felt like UEI was the right choice for me.”
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One of the biggest reasons Nicholas felt so strongly about UEI was the impression he got from his instructor.
“I have to give a lot of props to my teacher, Mr. Hernandez,” he said. “He’s an outstanding verbal speaker and breaks certain things down in our classes that everyone can relate to. When I first came into class my first module, you have to get used to how the system works and how to turn in assignments and learning all the steps each week. Mr. H stood his ground and I appreciated that. The instructor makes a big difference for the class.”
Right away, Nicholas was successful in his classes. He made honor roll and was even named Student of the Month.
“It feels good. Seeing that helped me believe in myself,” he said. “I knew I could do it. Keeping up with my grades has been another achievement. For me, school is really something that I enjoyed doing. I think that school really opened my mind. I hadn’t been to school in a while but getting this type of diploma and helping my business helps out a lot. It’s two pieces of the puzzle that connect together. It’s crazy how everything is working out the way it is. I’m still a little in disbelief that I’m doing this.”
Now a proud graduate, Nicholas is feeling good about where his future is heading.
“It’s a great school. They give you the education you’re looking for. The teachers there are highly recommended,” he said. “I believe UEI was a good fit for me. I didn’t have any doubt that I was at the right school.”
