Celebrating Healthcare: Bryant & Stratton College MA Alumni Shine During Medical Assistants Recognition Week 2025 

Medical Assistants Recognition Week, celebrated annually during the third full week of October, honors the incredible contributions of medical assistants. They often serve as the backbone of medical practices and provide essential support and care to patients. For this year’s celebration, we’re thrilled to spotlight three special Bryant & Stratton College Medical Assisting alumni whose journeys represent the compassion, skill, and determination that define this role. 

From the Classroom to Changing Lives 

The path to becoming a Medical Assistant is as unique as the individuals who choose this rewarding career. For Asya Mayotte, inspiration came from her daughter. After spending 20 years as a teacher’s assistant with limited career progression, Asya found herself at a crossroads. “My daughter was going to college, and I felt it was time for a change too,” she shared. With a lifelong passion for caring for others and easing stressful situations, Asya discovered that the Medical Assistant role was a perfect fit. Her first meeting at the Albany campus with a Bryant & Stratton College admission advisor confirmed she had found the right place to pursue her dreams. 

Dasia Smith’s journey began with uncertainty about where to start in the medical field. What drew her to the Bryant & Stratton College Greece campus was the program-driven curriculum where every assignment was designed with career preparation in mind. She particularly valued the Career Readiness class, which equipped her with practical tools including resume creation, cover letter writing, and building a MyCred portfolio. “These skills not only supported me during school but also gave me confidence as I prepared to enter the workforce,” Dasia reflects. 

Savannah Swenson brought prior healthcare experience to her studies, having already been working as a CNA since 2019. When she learned about the MA program at the Wauwatosa campus while exploring another career pathway, she recognized an opportunity to deepen her expertise in a field she was already passionate about. 

The B&SC Difference 

What makes the B&SC Medical Assisting program stand out? For these alumni, it was the perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience. Asya found herself captivated by anatomy, describing the human body as “its own universe” with endless aspects to explore and understand. The fascination she discovered in her coursework continues to fuel her passion in the field today. 

The program’s internship component proved transformative for Dasia, who completed hers at Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care in Henrietta, NY. “Although I was nervous about entering the medical field at first, by the end of my internship I felt confident, prepared, and excited to begin my career,” she explained.  

Savannah particularly appreciated the hands-on skills training, including phlebotomy, EKG skills, and rooming procedures. Her favorite class was Medical Laboratory with Coach P, which helped her refine her technical abilities and build the confidence needed to excel in her skills assessment with Dr. Reece. 

Making a Difference Every Day 

These Medical Assistants demonstrate exceptional compassion and empathy, making patients feel valued and understood while providing critical clinical support. For Asya, this understanding shaped her entire approach to patient care. “The best part of being an MA is making people smile and feel comfortable about healthcare,” she said. As one of the first people patients encounter, she recognizes her crucial role in setting the tone for appointments.  

Dasia echoes this sentiment, finding fulfillment in being the welcoming face that greets patients during what might be their most difficult days. “I also love having the opportunity to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures, which makes each day meaningful and rewarding,” she added. 

For Savannah, the rewards extend beyond individual patient interactions to the relationships built over time. Working in primary care allows her to develop ongoing connections with patients and families, while being part of what she describes as an amazing team. She praised her current supervisor who creates an extremely supportive work environment. 

Skills That Transform Challenges into Triumphs 

The rigorous training at Bryant & Stratton College prepared these graduates for real-world success in ways that extended far beyond clinical techniques. Dasia credits the critical thinking skills project in Clinical Procedures with Dr. Vargas for teaching her how to ask appropriate open and closed-ended questions to gather information for clinicians, a skill she uses daily in her current role. 

For Asya, an unexpected challenge became a pivotal learning experience. The graphing project in a math class pushed her far outside her comfort zone, as she had limited computer skills at the time. “There were times I cried and wanted to give up. I actually failed the class and took it again,” she admitted. But this setback taught her invaluable lessons about perseverance and problem-solving. “It was a lesson on just staying the course, as well as there is always an answer, you just have to figure it out.” 

Looking Toward the Future 

The commitment to lifelong learning that B&SC instilled in these alumni continues to drive their aspirations. Dasia plans to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, motivated by the support and encouragement she received from Dr. Remita and her family. “Through this program, I discovered that I am patient, empathetic, and capable of adapting quickly in fast-paced environments. This program not only trained me professionally but also built my confidence, discipline, and compassion.” 

Asya, a single mother navigating life’s challenges, hasn’t given up on her educational goals. She’s considering pursuing Social Work or a related field that would allow her to assist people on an even deeper level.  

Savannah is exploring options for either a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or in nursing, while currently focusing on building her career and spending quality time with her young son. 

The Impact of Dedicated Educators 

Throughout these success stories, one theme emerges repeatedly: the profound impact of Bryant & Stratton College’s faculty. From a welcoming presence that helped Asya know she was in the right place, to Dr. Vargas’ critical thinking training, Dr. Reece’s skills assessments, Dr. Remita’s encouragement, and Coach P’s confidence-building approach. These educators did more than teach; they transformed lives. 

As we celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week 2025, Asya, Dasia, and Savannah represent the best of what this profession offers: skilled professionals who combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion, individuals who view each patient interaction as an opportunity to make a positive difference, and lifelong learners committed to growing in their careers. Their success is a testament to both their personal dedication and the quality of education they received at Bryant & Stratton College.