What a journey! I was a young, green, and scared teenager headed off to college. Leaving home for the first time had its own challenges as did the rigor of the radiography program at a university 2 hours from home.

Fortunate to have had an excellent high school education, I successfully completed the program and earned my R.T. (R) credential at the age of 20. In 1985, technologist positions in Michigan were scarce, so I accepted 2 PRN positions while also enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program.

Here’s my advice: If you’re facing limited opportunities, embrace flexibility. Sometimes, unconventional paths lead to the greatest growth.

My clinical instructor had sparked my interest in education-her passion and excitement were contagious! I knew I wanted to inspire others the way she inspired me. Being an active member of state and national organizations also became a priority for me early on. I have had the pleasure and honor of serving both in many capacities.

Here’s a tip: Join state and national organizations in your field. Active membership not only helps you network but also allows you to serve and grow as a professional.

The next step was to find a technologist position in which I could leverage my degree as well as gain more clinical experience that I knew was necessary to have the largest impact on those I would mentor. Fortunately, in 1989, I was hired to be a clinical instructor and full-time technologist at a hospital close to home. From that time on, I never looked back, only forward on how I could best share my passion for this great profession!

Around the same time, I got married, started a family and adjusted to life as a full-time technologist, educator, mom, and wife. This was not an easy juggling act, but nothing worth doing is ever easy. Being a mom was life changing and I made the difficult decision to give up teaching to spend more time with my kids. I was able to work with students in the clinical setting as a technologist, but going part-time allowed me the flexibility to work out better hours and care for my daughters. It also allowed me to get back to direct patient care, which I missed as a full-time educator.

For juggling multiple priorities: It is okay to reassess and adjust. Make sure you are prioritizing what is important to YOU.

Obtaining a master’s degree seemed like the next logical step in achieving my goals. I knew that to teach at a college or university level, this would be required. With two daughters in middle school and busy with their own events, this was the most challenging time of my life from a time-management standpoint.

Here’s my advice: If you’re considering further education later in life, know that it’s never too late. Take it one step at a time and remind yourself of the long-term rewards.

In 2006, I completed my master’s degree and was hired at a university as full-time faculty. A dream came true as this was at the university I did my initial radiography training. Who wouldn’t want to teach where they trained? Such a full-circle moment! Due to family priorities, I ended up moving to a local community college closer to home and am now wrapping up my career there after 20 years of service that included time as an adjunct faculty, clinical coordinator and program director.

The changes in technology, education and students across my 40 year career is astounding! I remember my grandmother’s last words to me, “Isn’t it a crazy world?” Yes, grandma, it is!

When navigating change: Embrace it with curiosity and adaptability. Growth often lies just outside your comfort zone.

I have loved and appreciated the opportunities that this career path has allowed me. It is with mixed feelings that I am retiring this spring. I hope to still serve my profession in other ways through being active in my state and national organizations.

My final piece of advice: The future of this profession depends on new educators stepping up. If you have a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, don’t hesitate to explore the opportunities. There’s a great need for enthusiastic, committed educators.

This is not good-bye, just see ya later!