St. Johns River State College Student Spotlight

Hollie Harrell, 21, of Palatka, is a sophomore at St. Johns River State College. She is graduating with an associate science degree in radiologic technology this month.

Q: What is your current job?

Harrell: I currently work part time at the Putnam County Property Appraiser’s office. I am extremely lucky and grateful to have a job that is willing to work around my rather crazy class and clinical schedule. 

Q: What inspired your interest to work in health care and radiologic technology?

Harrell: Growing up, I knew I wanted to work with people in some manner, but I first became interested in health care when I took an anatomy and physiology course while completing my A.A. degree. It was my dad’s idea for me to research the program and it seemed like the perfect fit for me. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Q: What did you enjoy most about the program?

Harrell: My favorite aspect of the program is the clinical training. It forces you to think outside of the box. Of course, the lecture is important, but the experience you get in the hospital or an imaging center is priceless. 

Unrelated to the program, I think most students in the program will agree one of the best parts is how close you become to your peers and instructors. With less than 20 students in the class, we celebrated each other’s successes and grew to become a little family.

Q: What was your biggest challenge during the program?

Harrell: I think my biggest challenge was getting out of my comfort zone. I was terrified to talk to strangers or to try new things. This program broke me of that, which helped me in the clinical setting and in my personal life as well. 

Q: What is the most valuable thing you have learned about yourself?

Harrell: I learned that I’m capable of tackling any task that’s presented to me. Pushing myself to try new things used to be a frustratingly difficult task. But, through this program, I have truly broken out of my shell.

Q: Why did you select SJR State for your training?

Harrell: Choosing SJR State was an easy decision. On the website, I was able to see how well previous students performed on the certification exam and even the number of students who were able to find jobs after completing the program. I was able to talk to technologists that went through SJR State and they all spoke highly of their experience. I felt as though the instructors would prepare me for my future career.

Q: What would you tell someone considering rad tech?

Harrell: In this program, you 100% get out of it what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, the workload your first semester is intimidating, but it gets better and it is so worth it at the end.

Working in this field, you must have sympathy for your patients. The people you come across are sick, in pain and are dealing with their own situations. Strive to be the person who tries to make their day just little better.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Harrell: I hope to be well-established in the radiologic technology field, with an additional certification in CT (CAT scan). I think being a clinical instructor would be pretty neat at that point, too.

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