Extracurricular Activities
I have a wife and three young children who keep me pretty busy, but I’m also the Vice President of our Vascular Student club, a member of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech’s Trio/Tech Opportunities Program, and a sheep shearer on the side. I've also served as a Teacher's Assistant for the entirety of my junior year, teaching cardiovascular physiology and sonographic principles and instrumentation to the sophomores of the ultrasound imaging programs.
A Little Bit Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Me
I love learning and trying new things. I’ve enjoyed working in a number of different environments, including wineries and grape agriculture, sheep shearing, farming, and now healthcare. I started working in healthcare when my wife became pregnant with our first child–I decided I needed a full-time job rather than seasonal employment–and found it to be my passion. I had spent over a week in the hospital as a patient when I was 20, and I knew I was interested in the field. I found it to be truly enjoyable, and when I saw an opportunity to expand my role and challenge myself further, I jumped at the chance to attend Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech. I am supported by my dedicated and patient wife, Lilly, and my three children, Layton, Willow, and Magnolia.
Why I Chose Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech and My Major
I chose Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech because it is the premier school for my major (Vascular Ultrasound). I chose my major after working as a Nurse’s Assistant for 4 years and finding that I enjoyed patient care and wanted to pursue it in a way that would allow me to have a greater impact on my patients’ care without having to engage in quite as much unskilled (and physical) labor.
My Influential Professors
Dr. Tanya McVay, who demonstrated a breathtaking grasp of a broad variety of subjects and never failed to encourage me to ask more questions and continue learning. She’s my role model for a demanding, passionate, effective instructor. Professor Leah Jolly, who has single-handedly taught all of the classes for my program to two years of sophomore and junior students while also managing senior class members on their externs. Dr. Ben Bunting, whose passion for literature and open friendliness made for many enjoyable conversations. Dr. Mark Neupert, whose novel teaching techniques and high expectations pushed me to work hard and enjoy it.
My Greatest Learning Experience At Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech
The best learning experience I’ve had here at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Tech is the chance to work with professors and act as a Teaching Assistant and tutor to the students who are a year behind me. It’s been a joy and a privilege to get to help fellow students and communicate with my professors as a peer. I think this experience has really helped to prepare me for working with peers out in the real world.
My Plans After Graduation
I hope to find employment as a vascular technologist for a few years and then continue on to become either a physician’s assistant or perhaps a doctor. Initially my goal is to support my family and give my wife a chance to either return to school herself or find employment that she’s passionate about. After we’ve gotten our feet under us a little, I would like to return to college for a master’s degree or a Doctorate.