Current occupation:
Program Coordinator of Radiographic Imaging
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
My decision to pursue higher education as an adult stemmed from a deep commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. My journey began in healthcare, where I developed a passion for patient care and excellence in practice. Transitioning into education and obtaining a faculty position at my alma mater allowed me to share that passion with future radiologic technologists. This shift motivated me to further my own education, ultimately advancing my career to program coordinator of radiographic imaging. Along the way, I embraced the opportunity to be a role model—showing my students the importance of continuous learning in healthcare and inspiring my children to believe that it is never too late to achieve your goals.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I was seeking a flexible online degree program that allowed me to balance working full-time while still being present for my spouse and children. It was also nice knowing that while this program was completely online, it wasn’t too far from where I lived, so if I needed to go to the campus I could. Lastly, Tiffin University was also recommended by one of my colleagues.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
Overall, my experience with the program has been both enriching and insightful. I’ve appreciated the structure and content, which have been directly applicable to my role as a program coordinator in radiographic imaging.
My interactions with the faculty and my peers have been encouraging and supportive. The faculty have been knowledgeable and genuinely invested in my success, providing constructive feedback and encouragement throughout the program. Engaging with my peers has been equally rewarding;it’s inspiring to collaborate with individuals who share a passion for education and a commitment to professional growth.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
I won’t sugarcoat this – it’s tough! Working full-time, chasing after two active teenagers, and completing assignments by the prescribed due date while meeting the expectations of the assignment and facilitator, doesn’t leave a lot of extra time in the day. I am fortunate for a supportive family, that has stepped up in many ways to support me on this journey.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
My family, my students, my colleagues, and my commitment to the medical imaging field.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
My advice to prospective students considering returning to school is simple: believe in yourself and take the leap. Don’t hesitate to ask for support from faculty, peers, and loved ones; you’re not in this alone. Most importantly, embrace the process of learning and growing. It’s never too late to invest in yourself and your future.
TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?
One of the most significant risks I took was transitioning from a clinical healthcare role to an academic position at my alma mater. While I was confident in my technical expertise, stepping into education required learning an entirely new skill set and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. It was a leap into the unknown, filled with uncertainties about whether I could succeed in teaching and program leadership. However, taking this risk transformed my career and opened doors I hadn’t imagined, including becoming the program coordinator for radiographic imaging. It also deepened my personal and professional growth, giving me the opportunity to inspire students and serve as a role model in both education and healthcare. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of taking calculated risks to pursue meaningful growth.