Alumni Testimonial: Harris Beyan Found His Purpose By Becoming An Electrician

On October 15, 2024, Heather Cannon—Co-Founder and Executive Director—met Harris K. Beyan, a 2019 UDS Electrician Graduate. He is now a successful independent contractor, who paid his college tuition at a private university and earned his degree in 2024.

                                 Left to right: Harris Beyan and Heather Cannon

Upon graduating high school, Harris wanted direction because he didn’t want to sit at home doing nothing. He realized every year students will graduate and join him in not knowing what to do. So his close childhood friend encouraged Harris to join him and enroll at UDS Vocational Training Center UDSVTC to learn electricity. Harris chose electricity because he noticed people around him were afraid of it, and saw it as an opportunity to learn it.

After graduating, he started talking with other electricians he knew to build relationships. He first joined a group of electricians and began to get work contracts. He eventually became an independent contractor grew his network and received referrals based on the quality of his work.

From his efforts, he self-supported himself through college at United Methodist University (a private college) and graduated in February 2024 with a degree in biology and chemistry. He next plans to pursue a master's degree in public health. He shared how monkeypox impacted some people in Liberia and he wants to help people stay safe and healthy. He is a problem solver at heart.

In Part 1 of 6, Harris introduced himself and shared how his good friend encouraged him to learn a trade at UDSVTC.

In Part 2 of 6, He explained how he built this network after graduating with his electrician diploma in 2019. This led to him getting electrician contracts and building his brand through referrals. Also, he used his earnings to pay his college tuition and earned a Chemistry and Biology Degree from United Methodist University in February 2024.

In Part 3 of 6, Harris shared how he plans to further his education to earn a Master’s in Public Health. He mentioned how parts of Liberia had a monkeypox problem, and wanted to teach people how to protect themselves.

In Part 4 of 6, Heather asked Harris if he was a problem solver, and he agreed. Then, he shared how learning a trade at UDSVTC benefited him and changed his life.

In Part 5 of 6, When asked about encouraging young people to attend vocational training, Harris answered "Man can't live by bread alone." He then stressed how learning trade skills is important to obtaining a job (and self-employment) even if you plan to attend college.

In Part 6 of 6, Harris encouraged young people to take advantage and attend UDSVTC because they care about the youth. If you want to learn, they teach you the best way to learn the skills.

When asked what he liked about UDS he answered the following:

1) Convenient location.

2) Encouragement from the instructors and staff.

3) Learning environment.

How could UDS improve? When asked how he answered recruitment: He suggested visiting high schools before they close and explaining the benefits of learning a trade.

Left to right: Beyan Harris and Heather Cannon

Harris transformed his life by learning a trade and becoming an electrician. He didn't see college in his future until he discovered his potential and purpose when learning skills at UDS. He demonstrated how skills training is a gateway to a better life. Harris exemplified our mission and vision statements.