Fourth class of medical assistant graduates celebrate accomplishments

“It is a privilege to be standing here tonight with you all celebrating our successes,” Enwet Abebe said, addressing her 19 fellow Medical Assistant Program graduates at a ceremony this December.

“Our class was full of intensive work and fun,” Abebe, the class valedictorian, continued. “Do you remember what we felt during the practice sessions when we began giving injections, drawing blood or even taking vitals and patient histories? There were all kinds of feelings including excitement, nervousness, frustration and more, but we did it well and now it is our daily job.”

Briya’s program, which was begun in 2013 and is offered in partnership with Mary’s Center, prepares students to pass the nationally recognized medical assistant exam and go on to stable careers in doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals.

At the time of the graduation, 12 of the 20 graduates, including Abebe, had already been offered jobs as medical assistants.

“It makes a difference when you apply for jobs and say you are from Briya,” Abebe said. “I have found that everywhere I go, they like the Briya students, which makes me feel like I am from a wonderful school.”

During the ceremony, students were recognized for their outstanding achievements—including those who graduated with high honors and those who had perfect attendance.

Abebe left her classmates with words of encouragement as she concluded her speech.

“Fellow graduates, we should feel proud of ourselves for being successful and passing all those challenges,” she said. “This is the starting point of our dreams, and I wish you all the best in achieving them. It is challenging, but we don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be willing to learn.”