Bryant at the Aurora Central Awards Ceremony in advance of the 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
When Bryant looks back at his time at Aurora Central High School, the first thing that comes to mind is the art room. “I’ve always had a class in the art room” he says, “It’s been a place where I can express myself.” Bryant notes that he particularly enjoys working with watercolor, pastels, and graphite. One other meaningful experience from his high school experience was volunteering with the Assistance League as a part of his Hope Ignites Colorado community service. Bryant shared that they collected clothes and then distributed the clothing for students in need at Aurora Central High School. “I was able to see students wearing the clothes that we had collected” he said, “I could directly see the impact of our efforts.”
Bryant really lights up, however, when he talks about his experience with MC^2, the Medical Career Collaborative at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus for high school students. “It’s been my favorite experience in high school and I wouldn’t have even known it existed without Hope Ignites Colorado.” Bryant spoke to how Hope Ignites Colorado Program Managers told him about the internship program and then supported him through the application process. He shared that once he was accepted into the program, they used surveys he completed and his specific interests to place him into a focus area. Bryant spent his time interning on a Radiology Unit looking at x-rays alongside Radiology Techs and said he really appreciated the ability to have such a hands-on experience.
When asked about what comes next, Bryant is holding out hope for his applications to come together, “The University of Washington is my top choice. I’ve been accepted, but I’m waiting to see the financial aid packages that I’m offered before I make a decision.” Even if Bryant ends up at a school other than the University of Washington, he said he is looking forward to spreading his wings and seeing more of the world. As for what Bryant wants to study? “Something in the Biological Sciences. I’m thinking perhaps marine or environmental science.”
Wherever he lands, Bryant is carrying forward the same curiosity that’s guided him from the art room to the hospital—paired with a commitment to show up for others. With Hope Ignites Colorado in his corner, he’s ready to turn that passion into a future that makes a real difference.