Looking Forward To Change by Cassandra

Looking Forward To Change by Cassandra - June 2023 Scholarship Essay

Ten years from now is a difficult thing to envision, but when I do attempt to grasp what life could even look like in 2033, I see success and passion. I envision myself being a radiation therapist and helping many people daily. Ten years is hard to think about as I am not even in the program I want to go to yet. I am set to start the program in the fall so when I think about what the next ten years will hold for me it is odd because so many things will change by then. But as of now, my plans are exciting.
School is a huge part of why I will be as successful as I am. As of right now, I am going into the radiation therapy program at my community college. This program is one of the best in the state. At the time of graduation, we will have over 2000 hours of service in a hospital with real patients. Learning the real world hospital life. In my opinion, this sets so many of us up for absolute success right out of school. We will have the skills and tools to be able to correctly function in a hospital without silly mistakes. We are given the time to make silly mistakes in clinicals as students instead of being thrown into real life and causing some potential damage. Sauk Valley Community College is going to help me get to where I want to be after school by providing me with tremendous opportunities to learn the real element of radiation technology.
After Sauk, I plan to move on to Southern Illinois University 5 hours south of my hometown. This move will be essential in my future. It will push me out of the comfort of the town and area I have known my entire life. 21 years of living in one area, then moving nearly 6 hours away is a growth strategy that may not be specifically from the school but I definitely consider it helping me in my goals and career. Southern Illinois University is where I plan to get my bachelor's or potentially my master's in radiation therapy. That program will be essential in allowing me to do my dream job. It will set me up with the skill and assets that are needed in the field as well.
So ten years from now I see myself working in a field that is much needed in today's world and making a difference, whether it be small or big. I could not do the job without the schooling that so vigorously works to allow it's students to come out of the program(s) ready for the workforce. We come out set and ready to confidently work and help patients. I think that is so important and much needed in today's society. Many schools "prepare" you for your future, but I can confidently say that mine will. With more than 3000 hours of hospital training, I will be more than prepared. At the end of the day, I am looking forward to the next ten years of my life, even though they may be the hardest years. I look forward to the change they will bring.