Erica Barnett RT(R)

Throughout my entire life, I constantly changed my mind on what I wanted to start a career in. Growing up in an avid Iowa Hawkeye family, there was no doubt that I wanted to attend the University of Iowa after graduation; and although I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to major in or what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I challenged myself to go outside of my comfort zone and explore all of the options available to me. I spent two rewarding years at the U of I, and was involved in as many organizations as I could handle while still remaining academically strong. I spent those two years mostly as an open major, but then declaring psychology with a pre-law interest- knowing that although I loved both of those things, there was something different in the distance calling for me. It was during a cardiology appointment at the University of Iowa hospital when I found a sudden (and random) passion for Radiation Sciences. Things moved very quickly after that and I abruptly found myself at Trinity College, where my educational growth still improved exponentially. The numbers/GPA aren't what I'm most proud of though- it's the experiences, hard work, and dedication I have put forth every day while working toward my future. 

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Clearly from my background above, I would be blatantly lying if I tried to tell you that “I always knew I'd end up in health care”. In fact, that's probably the furthest thing from the truth. Although I have always known that I wanted to help people, I used to be so selfishly afraid of the gross things and the emotional attachment I might face in such a career. I never knew that a career could be so perfect for someone until I realized Radiography was for the people-person that has a special place in their heart for the hurting. It's for the person who doesn't want to stop learning, and is interested in every story that walks (or is wheeled) through their door. It's for the person who is amazed by the human body, by the strength of individuals, and by the vulnerability that is shared from those in need. It’s absolutely for the person like me. Every single day I will get to make the helpful impact I’ve always dreamed of, and I was incredibly drawn to that. That is why I chose my program. Suddenly every step of my life feels like it led me to select Radiography as my future career, and all my goals, aspirations, and attributes line up perfectly with it.