My "Why" and Journey Through Healthcare by Sosaphina

My "Why" and Journey Through Healthcare by Sosaphina - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

My compassion for others originated from my hometown of Tacoma, Washington. My peers and teachers each held a firm conviction to uplift one another. Their influence has resulted in me wanting to do the same. Uplifting my community gave me a sense of self-fulfillment and continues to inspire me when promoting the well-being of others. After graduating from high school, my pursuit in the healthcare sector began at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In May of 2023, I received a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Psychology Minor. From my education, I obtained a holistic understanding of health and wellness.

As a result, my education built a foundation for my healthcare-related internships. I was an Administrative Assistant Intern in the methadone clinic at the Spokane Regional Health District in Spokane, Washington. In this setting, I learned the value of showing empathy through the keen observation of my superiors and how that creates more substantial relationships with patients. I was taught the importance in understanding that patients are being seen on their worst days, and therefore, holding space to meet them where they are is crucial. As a result, this creates environments where each patient can feel safe and listened to.

Additionally, I was an Administrative Assistant Intern at the Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. In this role, I participated in the Hospital Shared Leadership Committee. Our main project was planning and organizing each hospital bed throughout every department. I worked with various nurses, which allowed me to improve my communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

My interest in pursuing a degree at Lewis-Clark State College came from my partner. His work inspired me to explore the radiology field further. I held a position as a Radiology Scheduler at Salem Clinic in Salem, Oregon. My primary responsibility included communicating with patients to schedule appointments for X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) exams. Additionally, I familiarized myself with computer-based programs such as EPIC software and the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). This role solidified my strong desire to connect my interpersonal skills with my technological background as a radiologic technologist.

Furthermore, this role showed me that receiving a radiology degree can be a stepping stone toward obtaining a certification in mammography. In this light, I aspire to be a part of a specialty that primarily focuses on being an advocate for women’s health. Through my university's student-to-faculty ratio being 12:1, I believe I can strengthen my skills and create genuine connections that would allow me to grow into the best advocate I can be.