Mar. 24, 2016
It’s not a good feeling to wake up and realize that you’re not doing what you want with your life. That’s where I was a few years ago: feeling unfulfilled with my career. One morning I realized that if I spent any more time in that field, I would burn out.
I didn’t want to become another crispy casualty of corporate America; however, I had no idea what to do about it. For months I went through a mental “what if” obstacle course, trying to decide what to do and when to do it.
Then I visited the University of Cincinnati’s website, looking for something, anything, that would put a sparkle back in my eye or at least make me blink. That’s when I saw the description for the Advanced Medical Imaging Technology program.
I blinked, quite a few times. I can’t put into words the way it made me feel, but I knew I had to try and get into the program. Because cancer has taken its toll on my family, I thought radiation therapy would be too much of an emotional burden for me. However, I knew I wanted to work with people in a way that had nothing to do with finance or making money. I wanted to help people who really needed me. Also, the idea of working with radiation held a certain appeal to me. What can I say? I love isotopes!
The idea of starting over and going in a completely different direction in my career was daunting, but I applied anyway. When I found out that I was accepted into the program I jumped, shouted, laughed and then cried. I couldn’t believe it then and even now, as graduation approaches, I still can’t believe it sometimes.
After being accepted to the program I wanted a way to enhance my learning, and that’s when I discovered the ASRT and the ASRT Foundation. I became a member right away and began exploring all the opportunities the association offers. When I read about the Student Leadership Development Program, I decided to seize the opportunity and filled out an application, though I didn’t think I would be selected.
When they called to tell me I had been selected, I was more than a little surprised. A short time later, I was in New Mexico at the SLDP meeting, surrounded by brilliant minds, smiling faces and open arms. Being there opened so many doors I almost got knocked down from the wind it created. The networking reaffirmed my decision to change careers and showed me everything that is possible. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to meet so many dedicated and passionate individuals.
I couldn’t imagine anything better at that point, but then I was selected to receive an ASRT Foundation Royce Osborn Minority Student scholarship. This scholarship made it possible for me to focus on my studies and clinicals and stop working grueling hours that would pull me away from my schoolwork. I was able to get the rest I needed to really give my all in my program of study. This benefited not only me, but my patients as well. My tuition, books and scrubs became more manageable costs, and the peace of mind it provided was invaluable.
I want to thank every donor who makes ASRT Foundation scholarships possible a million times over. Their generosity has made it possible for me to focus on school and on becoming the best R.T. I can be. I am honored and humbled by the kindness and warmth that has been shown to me. It is a gift I hope to repay by bestowing a similar gift to others in the future.
It’s important to support the programs the Foundation offers because, as cliché as it may sound, these programs make dreams come true. I shudder to think how difficult my journey would have been without the support of the Foundation and its donors. Donating to the Foundation is an investment in the future of the profession, and it’s one that I think every R.T. should make.