Armando H., a surgical technology student at American Career College-Los Angeles, was recently awarded the prestigious Christopher J. Eaton scholarship from ABHES.
Recommended for the $5,000 scholarship based on his exemplary performance as a student and his ability to serve as a role model for his peers, Armando’s journey to this achievement has been far from conventional.
“I dropped out of high school because I was going down the wrong path, hanging with the wrong crowd,” he recalled.
Eventually returning to school, Armando completed his high school diploma requirements early and joined the Marine Corps. It was in the Marines, he said, where he was first exposed to the world of healthcare.
“We learned combat lifesaving skills and trauma skills. That’s one thing, for whatever reason, I just gravitated towards it," he said. "I just loved learning about the body and helping save people.
His path to becoming a surgical technician took him through several educational institutions. Eventually, Armando found his place at ACC-Los Angeles.
“I went to numerous schools, numerous campuses, not just ACC-LA, probably like four or five other campuses,” he said. “I ended up coming here and I just love the environment.”
Now a surgical technology program ambassador, Armando is a top student in his cohort and looking forward to completing the 20-month program. During the scholarship award ceremony, Armando expressed his gratitude toward those who supported his journey.
“I just want to thank all of my instructors, my program director and also to thank our clinical team and our clinical manager," he said. "I just can’t say thank you enough to the committee, to ABHES, to everyone — I’m just very, very grateful.”
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