I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field and my sister in law told me about surgical technology. I love the environment of the OR as well as the importance of the surgical technologist.

As for now I plan on getting me a job and helping my husband provide for us. In the very near future I hope to have our house built and to eventually have a few children of our own.

Having only done clinicals, I really enjoy learning. I love seeing the new procedures and I love seeing the new techniques that each doctor uses.

I will graduate on June 26, 2020. My favorite field of study throughout the course has been the orthopedic section. I like learning about the different parts of the body, as well as the different procedures that some of my family has had. After graduation, I look forward to starting a new journey in my life and seeing where it takes me.

It wasn't until I was pregnant with my first child that I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. When I discovered the profession of surgical technology, it resonated strongly with me and ever since I have been on a mission to help and serve those in need with my hands-on skills as a surgical tech.

Working in pediatrics has one of the most rewarding highlights of my young career. I'm blessed to be able to make a small difference one patient at a time, especially in these recent months with the covid-19 pandemic and how it has so strongly impacted the world we live in.

My sincere thanks for awarding me a $1,000 scholarship! I am very honored, humbled and blessed by this award and appreciative of your choosing me as a recipient!

I have chosen surgical technology through the encouragement of others. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning in the classroom but to have it all become real in the operating room has been amazing. Upon graduation I desire and look forward to being the helping hands of the surgeon and/or physician's assistant to help the patients we serve live better lives and if possible, pain free lives. I desire one day to be able to do medical mission trips and ultimately to be the best surgical technologist I can be.

Since the COVID virus put a hold on our ability to finish our clinical cases, my class is still patiently waiting to graduate and take the board exam. At this time we don't have any idea when that will happen. This has certainly been challenging but is helping to make us more adaptable and ready for whatever may come our way. It will make graduation all the more special and meaningful when it does happen!

My sincere thanks again for the scholarship award! I am truly grateful!

I fell in love with the human body during my last semester of college. I needed one more science course and anatomy sounded more interesting than environmental science. However, I had never even considered going into the medical field. Everything about the human body amazed me and I loved every second of my classes. I took a class called Principles of Disease with a professor who was a retired surgeon. He showed us videos of his surgeries and I immediately knew it was what I wanted to do. I was pursuing another career in the healthcare field but I knew I wanted something more hands on and there's nothing more hands on than surgery!

On the first day of my Surgical Technology Program, I finally felt like I fit in somewhere because all my classmates were interested in the same things I was. On my first day of clinicals, I was able to scrub and pass with little help from my preceptor. I felt (and still feel) at home in the operating room and I know it's where I am meant to be. I am still in clinicals and I have loved every second of it. I have surprising loved gynecological procedures and most recently, labor and delivery. I am currently preparing my resume for the labor and delivery department of Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Once I gain enough experience, I plan to go back to school for surgical assisting as well as doing mission trips.

I couldn't have been properly prepared for the operating room without the help of many people. I was extremely lucky to find a great program with such caring and dedicated teachers who worked very hard every day to prepare us for the operating room. I would like to thank each of my teachers. Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Carrol, Ms. Aggie, and Mr. Doherty, thank you for caring so much about this job and taking the time each day to care about your students. I would especially like to thank Mr. Lamb, my teacher and program director, for always believing in me and creating an environment for me and your other students to thrive in. Thanks for pushing me to do my best and always answering all my (many) questions (even on your days off). If I become half the surgical technologist any of my teachers are, I will be proud!

I would also like to thank my family for always being there for me and giving me every opportunity to succeed that they could. Most of all, my daughter, Bella, for being the reason I do well at anything and always making me want to do better for her.

I can't express in words how much I love this job. I know I am helping people and I will never stop learning. I have never had a boring day and I always see and learn new things. I think this is one of the most important jobs in the world and I love that I get to do it. Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship! I am extremely honored to represent the Foundation for Surgical Technology.

I chose this as my career because surgery is the most thrilling experience for me because I get to be hands-on with the patient during their operation. Having a part in saving or bettering a patient's life is the most gratifying feeling.

I am going to be working as a full-time surgical technologist at UMMC, the only Level 1 trauma center in the state. I am aspiring to work on the cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac trauma, and/or heart transplant teams there. One day, I would love to advance upward to become a First Assistant, because I love the challenge of more operational responsibilities during the procedures. I would also love the expanded patient interaction that that position would offer.

Working in surgery is the most challenging, exciting experience. It is so satisfying knowing that I can be a vital part of life-saving procedures, and working on a team that is dedicated to bettering the health of our patients is the most rewarding occupation I could ask for. The world of surgery is constantly evolving more than ever before with more revolutionary techniques and devices, and being a surgical technologist allows me to support that mission of surgeons and their teams everywhere.

I graduate June 25, 2020.

Cardiothoracic has to be my favorite [specialty], along with peripheral vascular surgery. But I have also enjoyed neurology because of the delicate work they do. My other interests include urology, gynecology, and general surgery. All of these specialties are so interesting and necessary. I would love to enter into CV and/or PV because it is noble work and there is a greater need for STs in that field. But, as I'm learning more about things in the surgical world, my dreams are evolving. I'll be interested to see what specialty calls my name.

When my boss of 26 years began planning retirement, I needed to decide what direction I would take next. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer at this time and this caused me to research careers in healthcare. I was drawn to surgical technology and decided to pursue this field. I hadn't been in school since I graduated from college 35 years ago. At the age of 50, could I really go to school again? Was I too old? Did I still have what it took? I began taking prerequisite courses and did well, surprising myself at little.

Could I actually get accepted into the core program? Yes, I could! Our director, Logan Threet, at WSU Tech was willing to take a chance on me and I was going to fully commit to the program. Now, my goal was to learn all I could and finish with a 4.0 GPA. With the help of great instructors and connecting with an awesome study group, I did just that!

My family's words of wisdom and support along the way and God's blessing also helped me attain my goals. Even though in mid-March, COVID tried to throw off our final semester of clinical rotations, studying for the exam and our job searches, we continued to work hard and persevered through it.

At the beginning of May, I was hired by Kansas Vascular Access Center and have jumped into the peripheral vascular field. I truly enjoy the patient connection and knowing I was part of a team that improved their dialysis or saved the circulation in their extremities. My goal is to continue learning to help the physicians and patients in this field and eventually gain some cardiovascular experience. I also look forward to mentoring and teaching other students in their rotations.

As I've climbed into the depths of adulthood, searching endlessly for a professional career in the wondrous world of the medical field, I came across my final destination, in other words, becoming a Certified Surgical Technologist. Growing up I've always excelled in the magical realm of science. Upon diving into the broad subjects of biology, chemistry, psychology, and plenty others, it didn't take long to realize why I fell in love with the relationship between science and medicine. It's how these topics pertain to basic life and how science has allowed several doors to open up and create advances in medicine every single day.

From a future certified surgical technologist's standpoint, I can say that I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of that bigger picture when it comes to being the surgeon's "right hand man" (or in this instance, woman) in the operating room. I love the idea of getting to set up a patient's surgery from beginning to end, all while assisting in specific needs and maintaining sterility throughout the duration of the cases.

I believe this field of technology and medicine is best suited for people like myself, who take pride in their work and doing things the correct way, while maintaining a personal code of integrity, honesty, and always remembering the patient on that operating table is a human being. I am ever so gracious to receive this scholarship fund because it helps me become one step closer in graduating and proudly serving my community the best way I know how - via my talents in the operating room.

I have confidently chosen a career in the surgical technology field to not only help save lives, but educate others on modern surgical techniques and healthcare technology. I have learned an ample amount of skills throughout my education and clinical rotations in surgical technology. I want nothing more than to put my knowledge and practice to good use from here on out.

My current plans are to work as a surgical technologist at MedStar Franklin Square in the main OR, but for the future I would love to pursue an educational approach for the younger generations. I believe if people are choosing this career path, then a hands-on approach is the best way to learn. I have only been in the field for 7 months, but have acquired practice in robotics, general, plastics/burns, ENT, orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, gynecology, and hand surgeries. These specialties all have specific qualities about them which make them unique, therefore experience in each will aid in my expertise.

I recently graduated in May of 2020 during a pandemic, and although my time in the OR was cut short I found a passion for pediatric and plastic surgery. The ability to help reconstruct a face or give a child five fingers when born with four is life-changing to say the least. I am highly looking forward to my employment beginning in July! There's much to be learned and I can't wait for the endless education along the way. Surgery is a high-stress high-reward career, and to be able to be a part of it is a blessing.

Choosing to go back to academe is a tough decision after practicing a decade in the engineering field and surgical technology program opened the avenue that led me to shift to medical field. I finished the 20 months program and it provided me the certification as a surgical technologist last February 2020. The program itself gave me the strong belief about surgery that it may be able to prolong and preserve one's life.

Due to Covid-19 crisis, I am unable to start my career right away. But it does not stop me in reaching my goals to fit in the surgery world. I am ready to scrub and be a part of strong OR team in caring and saving lives. Once I have established my career, I want to go back to academe to be an instructor to teach and equip the next generation about being a scrub nurse.

I am grateful to foundation for the gift of scholarship. It matters to me. Also, to my husband and daughter who always encourage me since the first day I shifted to medical field. Then to Familia Raval-Camerino and ACC-Surgical Technology Family who trusts me on what I can do. To God be the glory!

I plan to graduate in July of 2020. I have really enjoyed studying neurosurgery during my last semester at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I hope to have the chance to scrub a few neurosurgery cases during my last clinical semester. My interest in neurosurgery comes from having a daughter born with Spina Bifida. I have learned so much from managing my daughter's care. It has truly been a life-changing experience to see my daughter undergo surgery after surgery. I am so grateful to the surgical teams that have taken such wonderful care of my daughter over the past 7 years, and I can't wait to be a CST and help better the lives of others.

Standing at the OR table in the role of first scrub has an intensity and importance that is unlike any other. A responsibility that demands total concentration, skill (technical and interpersonal), and a fierce determination to be true to an ever-developing surgical conscience. I am excited to be entering a career that has multiple layers for growth in our evolving profession.

A special thank you to the Foundation of Surgical Technology, this generous scholarship will help me maintain the delicate balance of school/home/work during my final year of school. I am looking forward to becoming a positive and active part of the OR team, advocating for our patients, doing my part to help reduce sharps injuries in the OR, and finding my role in AST.

Proud to be part of the 99th class of the Maine Medical Center School of Surgical Technology! December 2020!

I am extremely grateful and honored to have been awarded this scholarship. Before becoming a CST, I attended UCLA as a molecular, cellular, and developmental biology major thinking that I would pursue a career in research. After graduating, I had the opportunity to shadow a trauma surgeon and his team at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and discovered my interest in surgery. I was inspired by how every surgical team member worked so diligently and smoothly on a difficult case. This fast-paced and fascinating OR environment served as a catalyst for me for my career change in becoming a CST.

Currently, I am a CST at a surgery center, and it is a challenging but rewarding experience. I found myself growing as a confident and reliable member of the surgical team as I continue to work. After gaining experience for a few years, I hope to continue my education to become a CSFA and go on medical mission trips. Every day comes a new challenge, and I look forward to learning more and making a difference in people's lives.

I also would like to thank my instructors and classmates for the support.

I have always dreamed of being in the medical field because of my overwhelming love of helping people. I have very fond memories as a child of playing with my doctor set. I can recall interactions with my cousins of me healing their ailments, as I pretended to be the surgeon. Sometimes I would be the doctor and other times the nurse. Although a simple playful act, the thrill of the idea of healing was fascinating and comforting to me.

When starting my educational journey, I strayed away from my love of medicine and ventured into the field of Computer Science - the field in which I have earned my Bachelor of Science degree. I was convinced by outside forces that Computer Science was the easiest field to maximize financial wealth. I have since realized, after many years of unfulfilled happiness in my day to day interactions, that money isn't everything.

I wasn't in a rush to go straight back to school, so I took some odd jobs and moved around a bit and eventually ended up back in my hometown. Then "life" started to take over. Marriage, kids and jobs that I enjoyed, but never really loved paid the bills. I finally ended up in the medical field as a Certified Patient Care Technician. Not much paywise but I finally felt that childhood feeling again. I found myself enjoying the drives to work daily and even evaluated the thought of entering medical school. Then, you guessed it, "life" happens again. I still hadn't given up hope on getting into the medical field and was determined to do so.

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, one of my favorite drinks. The last time that life decided to kick me in the gut, I decided now is the time to do what I really want to do. I thought that it would never happen, but college, marriage, three beautiful children and several jobs later, I am about to graduate. I am a 46-year-old wife and mother and I am about to become a Certified Surgical Technologist. I am so very proud to say that and am looking forward to beginning this new chapter in my life.

I am currently a surgical technology student in Valparaiso, Indiana. My official graduation date is August 1, 2020 and after graduation I plan to continue my education while working as a surgical tech. Although I enjoy working in many different specialties, general surgery has my heart. As a student on my first day, I was able to scrub in on a cholecystectomy and I remember being wonderstruck every second of the procedure.

It is truly an honor to be in the OR and a recipient sponsored by the Foundation for Surgical Technology. Because of this scholarship, I am able to focus solely on school and complete my last semester of college free of debt. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams!

I am beyond honored and grateful to be recognized by the Foundation for Surgical Technology with a scholarship. I recently graduated from Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Michigan with an associate in applied science in surgical technology.

I have tried different jobs throughout my adult life, and nothing seemed to be the fit I was looking for. I stumbled across surgical technology while researching local programs and it just seemed right. I have really enjoyed my time in school and clinical rotation, and I am looking forward to entering the working field as soon as possible. I haven't decided yet where this new path will take me-first assisting, teaching, or management - but I am blessed to be starting the journey!

Two years ago, I was completely oblivious that the surgical technology field existed - like I feel many are still in the dark about today. But, of course it exists-it is vital to the operating team! Education sheds light on dark places, and we all know the lighting situation in the operating room! I am so thankful for those who lit my path along the way-fostering my growth and propelling me towards success.

I have always found the medical field to be interesting and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a part of it. I chose surgical technology because not only do I love helping people, but I find this area fascinating. I know that by being a surgical technologist I will be part of a very important team and I will be helping to save lives every day.

I will be graduating in October of 2020 and I am looking forward to being in the OR and learning new things as well as enhancing my skill set. My favorite studies have been lab and learning about all the operations.

I have to thank my teachers both Mrs. and Mr. Chambers for being so kind, going above and beyond with teaching and for just being awesome teachers. With everything they have taught me I know I will go far in this field!

My name is Cassaundra, and I'm a surgical technology student at Seattle Central College. My career choice in surgical technology has been a goal of mine for years, and I'm so excited to be reaching the finish line. I will finish my courses in July 2020 and I can't wait to get in the field full time.

I've been blessed with such amazing teachers, classmates, and preceptors guiding me along the way. I feel like surgical technology is like the hidden gem of the OR. Most people don't even know they are there, but when you understand how surgery works, you see how important it is to have that person around.

Through crazy days of learning all new instrumentation, to proud days of finally remembering how to do that set up, throw me in the OR and I'll be happy!