Where are you from?
I am from Atlanta, Georgia.
Describe your path to the Emory Medical Imaging Program
I come from a West Indies immigrant household where the majority of women in our culture pursue careers in health care, so I was exposed to the medical field at a young age as my mother and many other women in my family have or have had health care jobs. During high school, I spent time volunteering and participating in school clubs like Health Occupation Students of America, now known as Future Health Professionals, which introduced me to more medical career pathways because I was still uncertain of what I wanted to do.
During my junior and senior year, I also commenced a dual enrollment program that allowed me to take college courses for credit. I completed coursework at Kennesaw State University and Chattahoochee Technical College before enrolling at Emory. One of those courses included a nursing assistant program and while the pandemic shortened the last semester of my senior year, I was able to graduate high school as a nursing assistant.
However, I realized nursing was not my passion, but I still wanted to stay in health care. Luckily, I had a friend who was wrapping up the program who told me about the opportunity to apply since I had most of the requirements. In summer 2021, I finished taking all my precursor classes and in August I commenced the program, and it has been a journey!
What field do you plan to pursue post-graduation?
My major is currently medical science imaging with a minor in magnetic resonance imaging. After graduation, I would like to further my studies in magnetic resonance specializing in cardiac studies.
What would you want others to know about your years in the Emory Medical Imaging Program?
I would want others to know that yes, this program is rigorous. And yes, this program puts you through a rollercoaster of emotions but there are so many good opportunities that come out of it. As much as the toll of being a student can take, the biggest accomplishment for me was knowing the quality of education that this program provided me was superb and I got the most I could out of my education.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in Medical Imaging and come to Emory?
I chose medical imaging specifically at Emory because I felt that this field allowed me to tie in a lot of the health care components I am interested in into one. From the beginning, I saw how serious Emory was about giving me the best resources and the opportunity for networking and growth possibilities educationally and career-wise.
What did you like most about living in Atlanta?
While I don’t love the traffic, I love my city! I feel as if Atlanta brings so many different parts of people together in terms of cultures, hobbies, music, etc. I love the fact that I can find so many different hole-in-the-wall eateries or even little workshop classes that even may be free! Atlanta is a mini melting pot that is growing and the ambiance is really beautiful when you learn to embrace it.