Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?
I chose Carroll because of the small class sizes, small campus, and for all the different organizations they have to offer. I have always been involved in everything I can, so to hear I could be involved as much or as little as my schedule permits drew me in. I also am on the bowling team and I never thought I would have the opportunity to compete on the collegiate level and get playing time. All of this helped strengthen and made my decision on where to spend my next for year easy.
What made you choose your academic major or area of study?
I chose Radiologic technology after going through a semester of nursing school and realizing that was not the career for me. During my first semester of college I loved learning about the bones and thought they were fascinating. I knew I wanted to continue in health care but was not sure of all the options. After researching different majors I came across the radiologic technology program. I loved the idea of being at Carroll for two years and doing clinical for another 2 years in a hospital. I am a very hands on learner so to get the opportunity to get that much experience before starting my career assured I made the right decision on what I want to do in my career.
How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?
I am currently in my clinical for the radiologic technology program. I can say I have learned more in the past two semester at Ascension than I have learned in all my previous semesters in college. I still have a whole school year left and I am confident in most of my positioning and can do exams by myself without the techs assistance. I have learned problem solving skills that I continue to use every day and will help me in my future because not everything you learn in school with be the textbook patient.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
Leading up to applications I would get emails from Lucy to set up times to meet with her. She really helped me prepare all of my applications, made sure I had all the criteria met to be considered for the programs, and even helped me set up mock interviews. This has definitely impacted my education because she was someone in my corner making sure I kept my grades up and did everything to give myself the best shot at continuing my education in the hospital which is very competitive to get into. I can proudly say I got excepted into all three programs.
What’s one unique experience you’ve had relating to the coursework for your academic major or area of study?
I can’t say I have always been the best student. In my prerequisites my grades were average but I wish they were better. Now in my coursework at ascension we have a much smaller class and our instructors really take the time to get to know us. The program has stricter standards of passing all of our exams with an 85%. I have never been the best test taker but with all of the resources they give us, it has really helped me gain confidence in the material I am learning. I think being in all the same classes as my classmates with the same instructors has been a unique factor as everyone is in the same boat and the instructors want everyone to pass at the end of the two years.
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?
Carroll has enriched my sense of community. With Carroll being such a small campus, I have met so many amazing people. I can’t walk around campus without seeing at least one person I know. Even if I had a long day, seeing a familiar face really turns things around. I have really learned how to be an outgoing person and that has helped me interact with strangers I meet every day as my patients.
