The RAD(iologic) Story. by Armahn

The RAD(iologic) Story. by Armahn - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

The science behind my aunt's breast cancer kept her alive enough for me to see her one last time. The blood work and radiological sciences that the doctors used spotted her breast cancer early. As the cancer spread, she was soon hospitalized and placed on bed rest. As a ten-year-old experiencing this significant event, the doctors never made me feel scared for what was in her near future. I always observed what the doctors were saying and the procedures they took to make everyone in the room comfortable. In addition to my observations, my aunt started to feel a little better after each radiation therapy session, which reduced the rapidly growing tumors in her breasts. I took advantage of the moments that she was feeling better to visit her every chance I had to ask last-minute questions I always wanted to ask.
Pursuing radiation therapy as my first academic major choice aligns with my interests and past experiences the most. I became interested in Howard University's notable healthcare programs by witnessing radiation therapy's critical role in my aunt's treatment journey. Radiation therapy is an essential part of cancer treatment, where high doses of radiation are released to destroy cancer cells while reducing harm to the healthy tissue surrounding the cells. I aspire to excel academically and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Howard University will give me the skills to be a well-rounded radiation therapist. In addition, by choosing Clinical laboratory sciences as my second choice, I intend to enhance the depth of my radiation therapy studies. Howard University's experienced faculty and laboratory setup is the ideal location where the institution's diverse student population makes it so that studying this academic field is feasible. I have witnessed clinical laboratory sciences being practiced in diagnosing and monitoring my aunt's cancer to diagnose her accurately. Clinical laboratory sciences will enhance my skills as a radiation therapist because I can better understand diagnostic tests and contribute to a patient's care plan.
My aunt's passing sparked my passion to pursue a career within these academic fields. As a ten-year-old, I matured and made her passing a motivating factor to continue school to pursue a career in the healthcare field to provide hope and care like those who worked hard to prolong her life. In all, Howard University is the ideal place to pursue my goals. When I attend Howard University, I will be motivated and excited to explore Radiation therapy and Clinical Laboratory Sciences to the fullest extent. With my Howard education, I will use the techniques I’ve learned to support myself in achieving my goals to impact patient's lives positively. By including radiation therapy as my first-choice major and clinical laboratory sciences as my second, I am dedicated to learning from different perspectives to assist me in my future healthcare career. One day, I aspire to hear the ten-year-old who gets to ring the bell signifying that their aunt or loved one survived cancer because of something I did.