The strength of our participants never ceases to amaze us! Even in the darkest of times, they find a way to focus on their families and carry out their plans for self-betterment with remarkable courage. Maria’s journey is a prime example, with her recent graduation, and recognition for outstanding performance by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology being a testament to her tenacity.
In this interview, we explore Maria's path to success as a radiography student, highlighting her perseverance and generosity of spirit. Managing multiple commitments is never easy, but Maria’s story shows that with consistency and dedication, it’s possible to keep moving forward despite the challenges.
As someone adept at managing unexpected disruptions, Maria successfully navigates her academic responsibilities, leadership roles, and personal health with grace and adaptability. Throughout the conversation, she offers practical advice on managing stress, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of listening to one’s body.
In her interview, she emphasizes the significance of balancing determination with taking time to rest when needed, and the power of investing in yourself—whether through forming new habits, adopting a positive mindset, or prioritizing your health. Her insights provide a roadmap for anyone facing similar challenges, showing that it’s possible to thrive even in the face of adversity.
We’ve been honored to support her through her final year in the radiology program and are eager to see all she will accomplish next. Read on to learn more about her journey. This interview was conducted over Zoom and has been transcribed, edited, and condensed for clarity.
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Jorge: Congratulations on your recent graduation!
Maria: Thank you! Yeah, it's been a long time coming.
J: Did you have any pauses, or did you go straight through?
M: Ohh no, I've been at this since I was about 22 or 23. I had my daughter when I was 20; she's six now. I started going back to school after she was born because I needed to do something more. I had a good job, but I needed more.
J: So, you started with prerequisites for your program?
M: Yes, I did prereqs. Initially, I wanted to be a teacher because I thought the school schedule would be great with my daughter. I have family members who are teachers, so I thought it was a good fit. But they advised me to consider the finances because teachers are usually very underpaid. So I did a semester or two of prereqs for teaching and volunteered at a school as part of the requirements. I had no problem with it, but something kept calling me to healthcare. Then one day, I started looking at Coleman. As an HCC student, you hear about Coleman, so it's not something new.
J: Did you hear about the Coleman campus through other students?
M: Yeah, other students were talking about it. They said it's a campus focused entirely on healthcare careers. So I went online, looked at all the degrees, and checked schedules and salaries. I started with nursing, then surgical tech, physical therapy and eventually went with radiography.
J: So you were looking at everything and weighing your options?
M: Exactly. Plus, I noticed that radiology offered decent pay, and the schooling wasn’t too extensive. I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea and might give me an edge since I’d be well-prepared by the program. What’s crazy is that I got in on my first try.
J: It sounds like it was meant to be! That’s excellent. Deciding to pursue something in the healthcare field must have been a big step. Up to that point, what did care and support mean to you?
M: That’s such a big question. I’m no stranger to taking care of people. I had to take care of my siblings after my dad passed away when I was 13. When Harvey hit, I lost my apartment and ended up living with my grandparents while pursuing teaching. My connection with my grandparents grew after having my daughter. They’ve been so supportive of me, my husband, and my daughter. That’s basically what it has looked like for me.
Care and support in my immediate family has meant looking out for each other. I’m happy to be entering an industry that values caring for people at its core.
J: Given everything you’ve been through, it sounds like you are very familiar with making the best of a tough situation.
M: There’s no other way sometimes. Like with my grandparents, my daughter brought them a lot of happiness but it was tough living with them. We eventually moved out, but I still took care of my grandpa. He wasn't doing well and had to go to dialysis multiple times a week. He had several surgeries in 2020 that I was there for, and I had just gotten accepted into the radiology program.
J: Sounds like you were balancing a lot at that time.
M: Absolutely. I went to the first orientation, then my grandpa called needing his medication. There was so much going on that I completely forgot about the second orientation and missed it.
J: So, what happened then?
M: They told me if you don't attend both orientations, your spot gets taken. I emailed them, but they said my spot was gone.
J: Oh no! That sounds stressful! What did you do?
M: I had to apply the following year and hoped to get accepted. Yeah. So I was like, OK, that's fine. Maybe this had to happen. Maybe it wasn't the right time. I took it as a sign to try again next year.
I applied as soon as January came around and submitted everything. I didn't have anything missing. During that fall semester, I took more recommended courses to strengthen my application. That way, they really couldn't deny me, and it did help.
J: Talk about using your time wisely!
M: Definitely. It also allowed me to take care of my grandpa, who passed away in July 2020. I got a few more months with him, and it felt like it was meant to be.
J: You were able to be there for him when he needed you.
M: Yes, exactly, spending those last months with him meant the world to me. I was notified of my acceptance to the program in March and by August, I was in class. Around that time, my mom, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 was going through a lot. Being a single mother while raising my three siblings was hard enough with everything else she was going through.
J: That must have been incredibly challenging.
M: It was. I was trying to be there for her while preparing to start the program. I knew I couldn’t get derailed this time and needed to do this for our future. I started the program in 2020, my grandpa passed away in July, and then my mom passed away in September 2020, a month after I had started. It was so overwhelming; my daughter was only three years old.
J: That's a lot to handle.
M: Yes, it was. My mom's passing was a huge shock, but I knew I had to keep going
J: I can’t even imagine taking on such an endeavor amid so much loss. Where did you come up with the strength to continue with your studies?
M: Spending so much time in hospital settings with my family made me realize the critical role that healthcare professionals play in providing not just care, but comfort and reassurance to both patients and families. I’ve always had a deep passion for understanding and helping people. This experience sparked a renewed commitment to these values and my professional training was going to be a big part of that.
J: That’s a powerful motivation.
M: It is. Over the years, I’ve tried to help people in lots of ways such as through conversations. I've seen my husband grow because of our talks. Even his nephew, whom I met when he was four and is now 14, has grown up with me guiding him. I feel like I’ve become a mentor to the youth around me, helping them navigate their lives.
Helping people inspires me to be outspoken and not afraid to share my thoughts. It really helped them to have someone to talk to; to share with and feel heard. Unless someone is already emotionally intelligent and can express when something upsets them, they often don't communicate their feelings directly. Sometimes, people get upset over unrelated things, and I try to get to the root of the issue. I ask them what's really wrong, and they open up, saying they feel comfortable talking to me and not judged.
J: That's great. Especially in a significant relationships, it's important to feel comfortable sharing difficult things. Even, with all of your development, it sounds like you're still making time to guide your siblings.
M: Yes, it’s an awkward situation because they’re teenagers and really, I just got out of my teens. I tell them I’m still learning and growing, and they should learn from my mistakes or pick up what they find useful. My 17-year-old sister is the most emotional person I’ve ever met—empathetic and always ready to help others, but sometimes can doubt herself a lot. I try to show her how to be emotionally strong, to believe in herself, and not get carried away by emotions or distracted by whatever, it’s just part of growing up.
J: That’s important advice.
M: Exactly. Sometimes we need to focus on the realistic side because feelings can be misleading. There was a time she expressed her fears about being successful. She’s scared of not doing as well as me and letting me down, but I assure her that success looks different for everyone. I’m not artistic, but I’m good at organizing. She’s into art, and I encourage her to pursue it because it can be a great career. She’s still in high school, figuring things out, and my brother is already getting involved in healthcare programs at school.
J: What a wonderful sister you are! Sounds like you’re helping them be more self-aware as they navigate the challenges of their pursuits.
M: Yes, exactly. With a background like ours, it’s easy to feel like pursuing art is self-indulgent. But I encourage them to trust their interests and passions, knowing they can make a life for themselves by following their heart.
And yeah, it’s hard for young people, especially young creative Latinos, because you feel like you should pursue something more professional. But I tell her to go for it. If I could, I'd love to not report to anybody and just be on my own schedule, but I need stability first. I do eventually want to invest in a business of my own but It's important to be realistic about the journey, knowing it might take a while.
It’s common to hear that you need multiple streams of income to make it these days. I don't know if it's true, but I'm going to try it out.
J: That’s awesome! One thing I appreciate about your perspective is your flexibility and acceptance. You understand that what you're doing now is just for the moment, and you can decide to change things later. That kind of mindset will take you far because many people struggle with accepting themselves and their circumstances. They feel guilty and lack the agility to adapt and move forward. It’s really inspiring to see that in someone so young.
M: Thank you. I appreciate that.
J: So, what about your experience with Capital IDEA Houston? When did you start?
M: I heard about the program around 2020, pre-COVID. I applied when I was taking my prerequisites. During the orientation, someone spoke to us about it, and I decided to apply. But no one got back to me. So, I went to the office, which was downtown. I knocked, and someone eventually told me they were really backed up with interviews. I believed them because I could hear the busy atmosphere behind the door. They took my information and said they'd get back to me. I later found out my application was sent to Austin or San Antonio by mistake, probably because I applied on the wrong website or something.
I was disappointed when I didn’t get a response, but it wasn’t the end of the world. I had financial aid, so it wasn’t a huge deal, though it would have been nice to have the extra help. Fast forward to July 2023, during my second year in the program, I heard about the perks being offered to student governance officers and signed up as a historian, thinking it wouldn’t be too demanding.
At the start of the year, we had a lunch with the president of the college. He mentioned Capital IDEA Houston, and it sounded familiar. I realized I had applied two years prior but never heard back. I mentioned this to the president, and he was surprised. He said he’d reach out to them, and they eventually contacted me. It was a cool experience to see the process come full circle.
J: That’s great to hear. Now that you’ve been a participant for one year. What has been the most meaningful support you have received from Capital IDEA Houston?
M: The biggest support has been the consistent communication through group chats and monthly emails. It’s different from just knowing you’re supported; actually having someone check in on you regularly makes a big difference. I got so much from our check-ins because it showed me someone cares about how I was doing. Also, the Zoom meetings remind you of all the benefits available, which you might forget about with everything going on. It’s nice to have that personal connection, like when I see familiar faces like Mariah (Capital IDEA Houston Career Manager) on campus. The personal touch and the reminder of available resources are really appreciated.
I remember one time I saw Mariah at an event where she was organizing things. She had this proud look on her face, which was genuine. It was a nice moment, especially since I had met her during the introduction interview. It felt special to see her recognition of my involvement in student government. She even introduced me to others, which was a fun little moment.
Before getting the sponsorship, I had some frustrations, especially with expenses that weren’t covered by financial aid. For instance, while tuition and books were covered, I still had to wait for refunds, which sometimes took a month or two. I needed things immediately, like scrubs and other program-required items, and it was stressful. What I really appreciate now is that Capital IDEA Houston helps with these immediate needs. For example, if I needed specific items listed in the syllabus, like special markers for x-rays, they would try to help me get them. They don’t have strict limits on what they can provide, which is a huge relief.
J: I’m glad you found the program was so supportive. And it’s great that you can use your financial aid for other necessities now. How has sponsorship impacted your financial situation?
M: With the sponsorship, I get to keep all of my financial aid for other expenses, like bills or groceries. It’s been a big help, especially since I haven’t been working while in school. My husband has been the sole provider, so having that extra support is crucial. It’s tough for those without a partner or additional support, and I do consider myself lucky in that respect. It’s hard to imagine going through this without some form of support, especially for single parents. The support from Capital IDEA Houston really makes a difference.
J: At what point did you start to feel confident about your future, knowing that your efforts in studies were going to pay off?
M: My confidence grew over time, but it wasn’t immediate. After having my daughter, I wasn’t very confident and almost didn’t pursue school. My mom played a huge role in building my confidence. She always reassured me, saying that I was a good person and would be okay. Her faith in me and the reassurance that everything would work out gave me the confidence to push through. I remember her saying that God saw all my efforts and would make sure things worked out. That encouragement was so meaningful to me.
The turning point for me was during the first year of the program when we had to switch to online learning due to the pandemic. It was a challenging time, but it made me realize that despite the obstacles, I was capable of handling it. My mom’s support and the realization that I could manage even during tough times was critical. You know, just trying my best.
My confidence came from knowing I did all I could, even if it wasn't perfect.
When everything shifted online due to COVID, I took the initiative to create a WhatsApp group for our radiography program. We started with 50 members, and the group became a hub for staying connected, sharing information, and even bonding. We supported each other, shared resources, and celebrated together. It was a unique experience, especially since we were only interacting online at that point.
When I returned to the program, I was more confident and familiar with the process. I knew I wanted to start another group chat, even though we were no longer strictly online. This time, I got people to sign up by integrating a QR code into the orientation presentation to help new students connect quickly. People came to see me as a connector of sorts. Then, I learned that my lab professor, who had become the program director, had also revived the radiography student organization, which included various leadership roles.
Everyone encouraged me to take on the president role for the student organization, even though I was initially hesitant. The role involved organizing events, fundraising, and fostering a sense of community among students. Despite my initial doubts, I realized that I genuinely cared about the mission and wanted to contribute to strengthening our program.
Over the past two years, we’ve had some significant accomplishments. We designed and sold 300 shirts to fund a conference trip for 38 students. As I wrapped up my time with student governance, I transitioned from being the historian for the campus to the president of my class. The dual roles have been demanding but fulfilling.
My involvement had included overseeing events and fundraising activities for the radiography program and participating in campus-wide student government, which includes representatives from various programs like medical assisting, surgical tech, and dental hygiene. It's been a lot of work, but it’s rewarding to see the impact on student engagement and inter-program collaboration.
J: Truly inspiring to hear all you have done! What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about going back to school?
M: For anyone thinking about going back to school but struggling with doubts, I’d ask them to consider the consequences of staying where they are and to think about what could be achieved by taking that step. Don’t let fears or the “what ifs” hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to start a new chapter, even if it feels daunting. It’s the effort and courage to take that first step that often leads to the most rewarding experiences and growth.
J: Absolutely, forming new habits takes time so compassion and consistency is key. It’s like working out; if you fall off your routine, you might have to start over, but it’s essential to recognize that occasional setbacks are okay. What matters is getting back on track and continuing the effort.
M: Yeah, like when I’m talking with my siblings, I always emphasize that starting now, even with small steps, can lead to big things. The process might be challenging, but persistence pays off. It’s about creating a mindset where you understand that rest is necessary, set backs are going to happen and quitting is not an option.
I’m grateful for this conversation and the opportunity to share my journey. I really appreciate being able to share my experience. I know it hasn’t come up but I would like to take a moment to represent for people with Lupus.
J: Yes, of course, How has that affected you?
M: Dealing with lupus involves managing its various side effects, which can impact different parts of the body. I take it day by day, listening to my body and prioritizing rest when needed. Planning ahead has become essential, as life’s unpredictability is similar to managing lupus. I’m mindful of my diet, avoiding red meats to reduce inflammation, and paying attention to my stress levels and fatigue.
In terms of strategies and treatments, planning and preparation are crucial. I also focus on skincare and staying hydrated while avoiding overworking myself to manage stress effectively.
One key aspect I wish people understood about lupus and autoimmune diseases is that the pain and symptoms aren’t always visible. It can be challenging for others to see the struggle, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings or assumptions of being dramatic. Just as we should extend our understanding to others, we should remember that we might not always see the full picture of what someone is experiencing.
J: Thank you, Maria, appreciate so much all you have shared today. Looking forward to catching up again in the future.
M: Yes, thank you.
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