Where are you from?
I am from Powder Springs, Georgia.
Describe your path to the Emory Medical Imaging Program
I have always been a forward-thinking individual who prioritized and planned my academic future. During high school, I took dual enrollment classes focusing on health care, but I did not know what field was right for me. One day, I learned about radiology during my health care sciences class. It was almost like a switch flipped in my mind, and a small, dim light shone through the uncertainty.
Initially, I felt a lot of pressure applying here. Emory has always been my dream school, although I originally wanted to study psychology. Thankfully, I had friends who had gone through the program before, and they were a great source of encouragement. I am so grateful to be where I am today.
What field do you plan to pursue post-graduation?
I will graduate with a degree in Medical Imaging and a minor in Computed Tomography. I plan to use this degree to pursue my passion of working with children. I also hope to apply my knowledge and expertise toward a future degree in Health Care Engineering.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in medical imaging and come to Emory?
I found the preventative and diagnostic aspects of medical imaging really interesting. Medical imaging is one of the most essential parts of our medical system. Without medical imaging, many experts—surgeons, doctors, dentists, physical therapists, etc.—may be unable to complete their jobs with high efficacy and accuracy. The field of medical imaging allows medical professionals to notice a problem early and treat it before it worsens, alleviating many patient issues.
I also wanted to be the change that I wanted to see in health care by incorporating compassion, care, and empathy as essential skills. I truly believed Emory would be the place where I could learn how to do just that and make a difference in people's lives. From the beginning, I believed my instructors would guide my personal growth. And it turns out I was right; there was no better place to be.
What would you want others to know about your years in the Emory Medical Imaging Program?
The Emory Medical Imaging Program has been one of the most challenging things I've done in my life. But it has also proven to be among my life's most beautiful and fulfilling parts. It is through this program I learned how to be a skilled technologist, applying aspects of standard patient care and safety. At Emory, I learned resilience, discipline, and dedication.
I even learned to love and see what receiving love looks like. The most wonderful and amazing individuals surrounded me in this program. From my highly qualified, genuine, and compassionate instructors to my vibrant, caring, and intelligent classmates—I feel like I've been placed in the right place at the right time.
I also had my beautiful first-born daughter throughout this program, which was not an easy feat. I could've given up, but this community carried me and lifted me up. They supported me. They held my hand. The person I am today is because of this program. Because of them, I'm able to do this. But it’s not only for me, it’s for my daughter, too. Of course, shoutout to my other best friends, family, and to my mom, too! I am forever indebted to you all.
What did you like most about living in Atlanta?
Atlanta isn’t just a city for me. The energy here is unmatched, as it is fueled by a community that thrives on resilience, creativity, and unity. In Atlanta, there’s a deep sense of pride in the air, where culture isn’t just celebrated, it’s lived.
I absolutely fell in love with the artistic expressions, such as the murals and the graffiti on the walls. Artistry is what paved the roads of Atlanta. Music is the soul of the city. It's part of the air I breathe. From legends like OutKast and Usher to modern icons like Mariah the Scientist shaping the sound of hip-hop, R&B and beyond, Atlanta has solidified itself as a global hub for the entertainment industry.
The city’s educational institutions, like Emory, Spelman, Morehouse, and Georgia Tech, aren’t just schools, they’re powerhouses of diversity, excellence, innovation and ambition. And the food here? Of course it’s top tier. Atlanta is definitely a place you learn to love—it becomes a home.