By CCC&TI Student Lilly Pearson
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Radiography student Cassie Devine has been chosen by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to as one of two North Carolina student representatives to participate in their Student Leadership Development Program.
Pictured is Radiography student Cassie Devine (center) with CCC&TI Radiography Program Director Amber Edwards, right, and Radiography Program Clinical Coordinator Brittanni Arrowood, left, in CCC&TI’s Radiography lab on the Caldwell Campus in Hudson.
This selective national program selects just two students per state to participate in the program each year. The students awarded this opportunity are assigned a leadership mentor, participate in an online leadership program, and attend the ASRT Annual Governance Conference in Orlando, Florida. The three-year program offers additional educational opportunities and professional growth, an opportunity to be involved with the world’s largest association for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals and covers most of the associated cost for travel and accommodations while participating in program activities. Along with Devine, a student from UNC-Chapel Hill was chosen as the second student to represent North Carolina.
To be considered for the Student Leadership Development Program, students have to apply online with an essay detailing their leadership and future goals, and submit a letter of recommendation from their Program Director. Devine applied with an essay that demonstrated her passion and desire to “build up the radiography community in a positive way.” Her essay highlighted her dedication, positivity, and persistent passion for Radiography and the health care field. Devine is the first CCC&TI student selected to participate in this national program.
CCC&TI Radiography Program Director Amber Edwards, says that Devine’s selection illustrates both the excellence of CCC&TI’s program, as well as Devine’s leadership potential as a student. Edwards said that Devine’s selection “shows that CCC&TI Radiography is developing well-rounded, outstanding students in all aspects. Our students not only have the knowledge to pass the ASRT registry but also the work ethics and drive to be future leaders in the Radiography profession.”
Devine’s journey to becoming a radiography student was far from typical. She grew up in Newton, North Carolina, and graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 2004. Initially, Devine believed that her calling was Sonography, and she applied for the corresponding program at CCC&TI. While waiting for official acceptance into the program, Devine took a job in a boarding kennel at an animal hospital.
In that role, Devine’s dedication and passion for helping others helped her excel at her work. Over the next thirteen years, Devine took on increasingly responsible roles with the organization as Human Resource Manager, Head Veterinary Technician, and ultimately Surgical Technician. It was during these years that Devine discovered her love for Radiology, orthopedic procedures, and the medical field in general. From that experience, she decided to pursue her interest in radiography and resume her education.
Devine said that her journey was met with immense support: “I have found so much love and support around me whether it be my educators, my children, the medical staff I have been trained under, and the patients themselves.” After her many years of experience and many different positions, Devine said, “I am in exactly the field I am meant to be.”
Throughout her journey, Devine says she has kept one goal in mind which will come to fruition in just a few weeks as she completes CCC&TI’s rigorous Radiography program: “My goal is for my children to see me walking across that stage at graduation exactly twenty years after I graduated high school. I want them to see that no matter what age, what circumstance, or what your goal is, if you work hard and apply yourself you can always achieve it.”
CCC&TI congratulates Cassie Devine on this honor!
For more information on CCC&TI’s Radiography Program, visit www.cccti.edu or call 828-726-2200 (Caldwell) or 828-297-3811 (Watauga).