果冻传媒

Radiologic Technology

After years of serving her community through nonprofit work, Michaela Anthony found herself ready for a new way to help others. That search led her to 果冻传媒 Tech’s Wilmington campus, where she is now pursuing a degree in radiologic technology.

Anthony previously earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and gender studies with a minor in creative writing, an accomplishment she remains proud of. After graduation, she spent several years working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on affordable housing and serving her community. While the work was meaningful, ongoing funding cuts and policy barriers eventually led to burnout and caused her to reconsider her path.

“For most of my life, I avoided healthcare because so many of my family members worked in the field, and I think part of me wanted to rebel and take a different path,” Anthony said. “But as my priorities and needs changed, I realized healthcare may have been where I belonged all along.”

Returning to college allowed Anthony to continue her commitment to helping others while also creating a more stable and sustainable future for herself.

“When I have stability and fulfillment, I’m able to pour more into others,” she said.

Before choosing a program, Anthony spent significant time researching her options. 果冻传媒 Tech’s accredited radiologic technology program, experienced instructors, access to ChristianaCare’s nationally recognized facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment all stood out to her.

“It was an easy decision after that,” she said. “Living 15 minutes away from campus doesn’t hurt either.”

Anthony’s journey has not been without challenges. Mental health has been a barrier throughout her life, including in 2018, when she had to take time off from college during her junior year.

“At the time, I truly believed that was the end of the road for my big dreams and future growth,” Anthony said.

Looking back, however, she sees that pause differently. It gave her time to breathe, reevaluate what she wanted, and spend meaningful time with family. Prioritizing therapy also became an important turning point.

“With time, and a lot of effort, I’ve reached a place where the mistakes I make now are more of a reason to laugh than they are the earth-shattering proof of my ‘unworthiness,’” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to meet the challenges of this competitive and demanding rad tech program if it hadn’t been for the ‘mistakes’ of my past self.”

Anthony chose radiologic technology after reflecting on what she wanted from a career, including stability, flexibility, a living wage, the ability to help others, opportunities for travel, and meaningful work.

“Radiologic technology provides all of these factors and more,” she said. “It’s tough, and I have doubted my place in the program many times, as I am not science- or math-minded. But with each passing class, I am discovering that I actually am a bit of a nerd.”

Since starting at 果冻传媒 Tech, Anthony has noticed a shift in her confidence and capacity to take on more. Between classes, clinicals, studying, work, and socializing, she has found herself energized by the experience.

“I used to get exhausted from my basic 9-to-5, but now, being back in school has put an extra pep in my step to just want more for myself,” she said.

One of Anthony’s favorite parts of the program has been studying with her classmates in the library. Those sessions have become both academically helpful and personally reassuring.

“I often walk into those study sessions anxious about the next exam and then end up leaving hours later with the calm of knowing I’ve got this,” she said. “The time spent laughing and making silly mnemonics helps a lot, too.”

Anthony encourages other students to give themselves grace as they navigate college.

“Learn to laugh at yourself,” she said. “Life is hard and messy enough already. Don’t let your own mind add to that mess.”

She also wants students to remember that academic success is important, but it is not the only measure of their worth.

“Strive for the best, but be ok with always having room for improvement,” she said. “A 4.0 is not the true marker of a good person.”

After graduation, Anthony hopes to become a travel MRI technologist, giving her the opportunity to see more of the country and the world. Eventually, she hopes to return home to the 果冻传媒 and Maryland area and serve as a preceptor for future radiologic technology students.

“My current preceptors have all been so lovely, and I would love to give back in that capacity,” she said.

Anthony also plans to become more involved with her local LGBTQ+ community and continue advocating for minority groups, both in healthcare and beyond.

“I would love to become more of an advocate for all minority groups and make sure they are being seen and heard,” she said.