Hello everyone!My name is Jolene and this is my story!
Slide: 2
My story begins in Virginia, where I was born. I grew up right outside of Washington DC until 3rd grade when I moved to Florida.
Slide: 3
I hated moving and felt like I was leaving all of my friends behind in Virginia.
Slide: 4
After moving here I quickly became best friends with this girl Sam!
Slide: 5
We've been best friends for 13 years now!
Slide: 6
Sam is the one who introduced me to softball. I was scared to start playing a new sport but loved it as soon I started.
Slide: 7
I quickly fell in love with the sport! I played for 8 years until i injured my shoulder.
Slide: 8
I had torn my labrum and was told that I would not be allowed to play again. I needed surgery to fix the injury and then covid happened.
Slide: 9
Covid was hard, not only was everyone in isolation but I was recovering from surgery, which took about 8 months.
Slide: 10
During my recovery I had physical therapy about 3 times a week. It quickly became the highlight of my quarantine and made me fall in love with the healthcare system. I admired seeing the patients so proud of their progress through their treatment.
Slide: 11
Although this past year was hard the future was very exciting! I had just gotten into UCF and would be starting in the fall.
Slide: 12
After all the hard work and recovery I was able to return to the sport i Loved and play one last season before college with my team
Slide: 13
Starting UCF after covid was interesting, the world was still getting back to normal and I was about to start my first semester of college
Slide: 14
Sam and I became roommates! We were so excited!
Slide: 15
After 2 years of college Sam had convinced me to join the club softball team at UCF. I was nervous about playing again but knew I wanted to join. I am so glad that I did!
Slide: 16
My classes were hard and I felt busy all the time but I knew it would be worth it. I just didn't know what I wanted to do after school
Slide: 17
I signed up for a class that explored the various occupations in the health field. I could not stop thinking about radiology. It was the first time I could see myself in the future enjoying my career. I knew I wanted to look into it.
Slide: 18
And that brings me to today! I am finishing my degree and hope to enroll in and complete a program that will allow me to be a certified radiographic technologist. Later in life I plan to pursue PA school but wanted to take a gap and enjoy my life while still pursuing a career that was important to me.Thanks for watching!