- Published: September 10, 2022
- Updated: September 10, 2022
- University / College: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Language: English
- Downloads: 10
In his essay, Jonathan Michels (2009) attempts to demonstrate why student radiologic technologists are important and to persuade those striving for a career in this field to fully embrace and enjoy all the daunting aspects of the learning process. The author briefly goes over the challenges that one might face before becoming a registered technologist. In particular, he draws attention to the fact that most of radiologic technology students have either full-time or part-time jobs while pursuing their education, which, of course, makes their lives more difficult and stressful.
Furthermore, Michels (2009) rightfully points out that in the tough economic situation that our country is experiencing at the moment, many facilities have hiring freezes and student positions are a primary target of budget cuts. Despite these roadblocks, the author encourages student technologists to make the most of their education. He reminds us that we need to take up every opportunity for gaining new experience and improve professional skills. According to the author (Michels, 2009), a student’s reputation among technologists is everything and, thus, one must constantly remind himself of the work ethic. Perhaps most importantly, he concludes that the importance of student technologists lies in reminding those they work with that “ we never stop being students” (Michels, 2009, p.
18). I personally found Michels’s (2009) piece very inspiring. Very often, at the end of a long rotation, I do feel like I am “ in a twilight zone” (2009, p. 8). Yet, the author has been quite successful in restoring my confidence that what I am currently doing and what I will be doing in the future is important.
And it is important not only because one cannot afford not to have a job nowadays. The significance of being a student technologist stretches further. It lies in reminding others that life is a learning journey and that each of us should seize upon every opportunity to master our craft.