Scholarship Honoring Healthcare Leader Inspires Purpose From Grief
For one student, winning the the Bernard Tyson Scholarship transcended the financial to spiritual
For Eseosa “Essie” Aigbuza, receiving the Kaiser Permanente Bernard Tyson Scholarship helped her at a time when she needed it most.
Aigbuza’s father had recently and unexpectedly passed away, and in that moment, she felt untethered and lost, unsure of what to do next. It was her father who had encouraged Aigbuza to enroll in pharmacy school at Touro University California and had championed her through tough academic moments.
“When I won, it did change my life, because it motivated me to continue with school, it motivated me to push further, and showed me that I did have a purpose and that I'm here for the right reasons,” said Aigbuza of the scholarship, the benefits transcending the financial to spiritual. “It definitely honored my father; I know he's proud of me as well, and he's telling me, ‘This is where you are supposed to be.’”
The story of Aigbuza is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunities. Born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland by Nigerian parents, Aigbuza’s upbringing was characterized by the strong emphasis her parents placed on education. Her parents, who had migrated to the United States seeking better prospects, knew the value of education firsthand, having overcome barriers themselves.
After earning a degree in biology, Aigbuza found herself at a crossroads. She wasn't sure where her journey would take her next. Healthcare was something that interested Aigbuza, but she couldn’t figure out which direction. Encouraged by her parents, Aigbuza considered the field of pharmacy, a career she had never imagined herself in. Her parents saw something within her that she couldn't see herself – the potential to make a significant impact.
Despite her doubts, Aigbuza pushed forward, immersing herself in the curriculum and clinical rotations. Then, tragedy struck – her father, who had been her rock and motivator, unexpectedly passed away during her third year of pharmacy school.
The scholarship's recognition served as a lifeline, reigniting Aigbuza’s determination and propelling her forward. She found a renewed sense of purpose, now coupled with the responsibility to honor her father's memory by succeeding in her chosen path. With her scholarship's support, Aigbuza excelled in her studies and embraced the leadership opportunities that came her way.
“Every health care organization needs people like Essie – dedicated, focused, and committed to providing high-quality care to everyone,” said Darryl Curry, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente in Napa and Solano Counties. “I have no doubt she’ll make a difference in her community.”
Guided by the scholarship's impact, Aigbuza developed a passion for bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility and quality, especially for marginalized communities. She saw her role as a future healthcare professional not just as a practitioner but also as a conduit between healthcare and the community.
Touro University California, where Aigbuza had chosen to study, played a pivotal role in her journey. The supportive faculty, diverse curriculum, and community engagement opportunities helped shape her into a well-rounded and motivated individual.
Aigbuza‘s story isn't just about her personal journey; it's about the importance of family and community support, transformative opportunities, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. Through her experiences, she discovered that diversity and cultural competence are not only vital in healthcare but also a source of inspiration for future healthcare professionals. Her story serves as a testament to the power of education and the potential for change that lies within everyone’s journey.