Change is good!

Comfort to growth.

by Sharon LaPorte
Edited by: Jo Ann M. Whiteman,
Program Coordinator

I had two dreams while growing up, to be a teacher and to work in the medical field. I would pretend my dolls and stuffed animals were my students. I would set them up on the bed and then pretend to be the teacher. Usually, I would model after my own teacher. My other dream, working in the medical field, just came so naturally. I remember growing up and having to look at my brother's injuries because I was the only one who didn't get grossed out. Since my mom would easily get sick at the site of blood, she would send my brother to me and trusted me when I said "yep, he needs to go to the emergency room." I was never afraid to see blood or an open wound.

My journey has been a long one. I began as a Certified Nurse's Aid and for several years worked in the various avenues of this field. When my daughter turned six, I had an opportunity to go back to school. This time I chose to specialize in a specific area and applied to Palm Beach Community College. I obtained an Associate of Science in Medical Radiography. Upon graduation I was hired by a hospital. Through the years I had the opportunity to serve in hospital settings, emergency clinics and family practices. Even though the new career was exciting, I knew I hadn't reached my fullest potential.

While scanning the newspaper one day, my husband fell upon an x-ray instructor position. I immediately said no. I knew there was no way I could teach, let alone college students. Months went by and again, the x-ray teaching positions kept appearing in the classifieds. Yet, again, my family tried to persuade me to look into it. At the time, I had a secure job of 5 years with a wonderful doctor. I kept stating I was happy and didn't need a change but change is just what I needed. I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone.

Sometimes changes in our personal life help us to grow since we are forced to move out of our comfort zone. I was pregnant. and unable to continue to practice in the field. With the encouragement of my family and our new addition, I decided to pursue the scary journey of teaching. After six months, I realized how much I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience with upcoming medical professionals.

During the next four years I continued to teach students. The college I was employed with decided to become more competitive with the other colleges in the area. My employer decided it was best for the college and the students to have the instructors further their education. We were asked to return to school and earn a degree. With a new cross road in my life I had the daunting task to decide what degree to earn and from what institution. Once again, I was afraid. I was fearful of what the future had in store for me. I was a single mom with a four-year old son to care for. I kept asking myself how I was going to juggle everything.

Before I was able to begin my studies at the University of Central Florida, it was necessary to earn my Associates in Arts Degree. I went to Seminole Community College, earned my AA degree and then transferred to the University of Central Florida. While I was attending Seminole Community College I learned about the Technical Education and Industry Training program offered at the University of Central Florida. The program seemed to be what I needed to continue teaching in my field of expertise. I decided to meet with an advisor; I had many questions.

Dr. Whiteman, with the University of Central Florida, was assigned as my academic advisor. I met with Dr. Whiteman prior to completing my AA degree. Dr. Whiteman immediately calmed my fears and insecurities. She laid out a plan of study and how I would be able to juggle my life and my college experience. After leaving my first academic advising appointment with Dr. Whiteman, I had gained a new confidence. U.C.F. accepted me as a transfer student within the year following my meeting with Dr. Whiteman. My education journey had finally begun.

A journey wouldn't be a journey without a few bumps in the road. My education journey has had many. However, after each hurdle I was able to take with me a greater sense of strength. I have even had doubts of whether all this was worth it. I would debate with myself whether obtaining my Bachelor's would really make a difference. Especially when the employer who asked their employees to return to school layed-off those same employees. Yet, here I stand today, with my Bachelors.

You may ask "well, was it worth all the sweat and tears"? I would reply back, "yes, and every ounce." I was hired by a private college to teach their upcoming medical professionals. The college required I have a higher level of education and I was able to present my Bachelor's degree with full pride of my success.

I have reflected back through this journey and have realized that I accomplished my two dreams. I was able to practice in the medical field and now I can share with students those experiences. I have also learned that learning is an everyday experience and my education with the University of Central Florida can not stop here.

I like to thank Dr. Whiteman and Dr. Snider for all their academic support and encouragement. I like to thank my son, Joshua, for all those days we had to cut play time short so mommy could study. I like to thank my daughter, Nicole, for pushing me to reach my fullest potential and inspiring me while I watched her obtain her Master's degree at the University of Central Florida. Lastly, I like to thank God for his blessings during this journey. I hope one day I can be just an ounce of the support you all have given me to others. Oh yes, I have now entered the M.A. program in Career & Technical Education.