Bittersweet

Today was officially my last day of college. It was such a great feeling to walk out of that hospital and close that chapter of my life. On the other hand, I will miss all of the amazing people I worked with and got to know. The last four years of my life have definitely been the biggest challenge I've ever had to face. There were days when I thought I wasn't going to make it and days I wanted to walk away from it all. I laughed, cried, begged for mercy and prayed my way through this wonderful thing they call "training to be a health care specialist." I was pushed further than I ever thought I could go and I'm right proud to say, by the grace of God, that I finished, and I finished strong. I have learned a lot about myself as well as others. I have come a very long way from the immature, outspoken and somewhat selfish 18 year old I was when I graduated high school. I have so many people to thank and so much to be grateful for. It has been an amazing journey and certainly one I will never regret. My Dad always used to remind me of the proverb: It's not always the destination, but the journey there. Wow, is that true or what?! In the last four years I have learned:

1. how to take every x-ray possible
2. Learned how the heck CT scans work
3. All about the wonderful world of magnetism in MRI
4. Overcame my fear of needles, and I am quite the master at poking people now
5. Learned just how mad I can get the Radiologist when I break the sterile field
6. Learned the importance of safety goggles when performing biopsies ;)
7. Dansko's are my new favorite shoes
8. that the older folks are by far, my most favorite patients
9. that a smile and a patient attitude can truly brighten anyone's day
10. a hug from one of my patients can brighten MY day
11. No matter how far behind schedule you are, you're never too far behind to listen to your patients tell you a story
12. Tape is my friend :)
13. Some people have really steep clavicles!
14. You never know when one of your loved ones will be your next patient
15. Scrubs are the most comfortable clothes EVER!!
16. We are not x-ray technicians (button pushers), we are x-ray technologists (educated professionals)!
17. Drinking Barium contrast makes me gag
18. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!!

The MRI girlies


getting my fake diploma


Entering the chamber of death AKA MR