Chula Vista Medical Assistant Student Selected for 2024 ‘Be The Change’ Scholarship
Bryan Harmon, a student in the Medical Assistant program at UEI College in Chula Vista, earned the prestigious Be The Change scholarship, a recognition that holds deep personal significance for the 35-year-old Chula Vista native. Bryan’s journey to this achievement reflects his passion for dismantling healthcare stigmas in his community, advocating for racial equality, and creating meaningful change.
“I’m amazed, a little overwhelmed,” Bryan said shortly after learning he was picked as this year’s Be The Change scholarship recipient. “When I first saw the announcement about the scholarship opportunity, I felt like it was a calling to me. I thought – wow, this could be me. I knew I had to apply. I put a lot of time and effort into the essay.”
The Be the Change Scholarship was created in 2020 to empower UEI students a voice in the discussion of social justice, equality and human rights. Applicants are asked to write an essay about how they have been impacted by social injustice and what they are personally doing to combat issues of inequality in their community.
Bryan’s essay was chosen from over 500 entries across the UEI system by a committee of administrators, instructors, and staff. As the 2024 recipient, he was awarded a full-ride scholarship covering the entire tuition for his Medical Assistant program – nearly $15,000.
“I am so extremely grateful to UEI for this honor. Today was truly a life-changing moment for me,” he said. “Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for hearing me. I spoke about my family, their struggles, and my journey into healthcare. The struggles for communities of color when it comes to healthcare remain very real – even in 2024 – and I want to use my career in healthcare to make a difference.”
“African Americans have lower life expectancy rates compared to white Americans, largely due to systemic racism in healthcare access and treatment,” Bryan wrote in his essay. “I’ve seen the impact of systematic inequality firsthand. I want to use my career to be a direct advocate for healthier, more equitable futures.”
Numerous studies and reports support Bryan’s suggestion that there are indeed inequalities in access to healthcare among African Americans and other minorities in both California and the U.S. These disparities manifest in several ways, including access to services, quality of care, and health outcomes. A 2021 report by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) found that African Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups in California experience significant barriers to healthcare access. Factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and systemic bias in the healthcare system contribute to disparities. Nationally, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that African Americans and other minorities are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These health issues are exacerbated by unequal access to quality healthcare services, contributing to higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths in minority populations.
“We were thrilled to learn that Bryan was selected for the ‘Be The Change’ scholarship. He is an amazing student and a beacon of hope and optimism,” said Serica Martinez-Ervin, Executive Director at UEI College in Chula Vista. “Bryan’s actions demonstrate his relentless pursuit of a brighter future for himself, and his family. His essay was a testament to his vision of a more just, inclusive, and healthier world for all. He truly deserves this honor, and we are very proud of him. Today, we celebrate not only Bryan’s achievements but the profound impact he is destined to have. This scholarship will enable him to continue his studies, breaking barriers in the healthcare field, and forging a brighter, healthier future for the community.”
Bryan’s journey to this point has been marked by both personal loss and profound determination. After working in youth services for several years after high school, including a role as a camp director, he faced a series of family tragedies that forced him to reevaluate his career path. “In 2015, I lost my nephew, which made me step back from working with kids for a while,” he explained. “It was a triggering moment; I wanted to be closer to my family.”
His experiences caring for loved ones in hospice settings ignited a desire to pursue a career in healthcare. “I knew that the energy I possessed was meant for helping others,” Bryan said. “I was 34 and trying to figure it all out. When I heard about UEI, it sparked something in me.”
When a friend told him about her experience at UEI, Bryan decided to visit the Chula Vista campus for a tour. When he learned about the Medical Assistant program, he felt that was his calling.
Bryan’s hard work at UEI has already paid off; he has achieved honor roll status since starting the program. “Once I experienced honor roll in the first month, I thought, ‘Okay, I’m getting honor roll every month,’” he said, his excitement palpable. “It gave me purpose. I realized that I can actually have a career in healthcare.”
Looking ahead, Bryan is focused on becoming a phlebotomist, with aspirations to eventually pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. “I’m no longer capped,” he stated. “I didn’t realize how many doors would open for me until I took that first step.”
As he continues his studies, Bryan’s commitment to making a difference in healthcare and within his community remains steadfast. “I don’t know where this journey will take me or my family, but I know I’ll be in a better space than I was before,” he concluded, with a hopeful smile.
With his full-ride scholarship and newfound direction, Bryan is poised to make a lasting impact—not only in his own life but also in the lives of those around him.
