NATCHITOCHES – Brandy Smith of Tyler, Texas, a mother of five and first-generation college graduate, said that pushing fear aside, accepting help and believing in her own abilities were key factors in completing her degree. Smith will graduate from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences May 8.
Since childhood, Smith dreamed of working in medicine. She graduated from Mineral Wells (Texas) High School in 2000 at age 17 and enrolled in Weatherford Junior College seeking a biology degree. Right out of high school, she found a job as a radiology scheduler at a prominent Fort Worth hospital where her love for radiology blossomed. In 2002 she started X-ray school at John Peter Smith School for Health Career Development, graduating in 2004.
“In the early 2000s, bachelor’s programs in radiology were scarce, so I opted for an associate’s program, kicking off my journey at X-ray school at the age of 19 in the fall of 2002,” Smith said. “My fascination with radiology stemmed from my love for caring for people, a sentiment deeply rooted in my heart since my high school days. Exploring the scientific intricacies of X-rays and their translation into diagnostic images was not just intriguing but truly captivating. My colleagues in the radiology department became my mentors, guiding me through the ropes of the profession.”
After earning an associate degree, Smith seized an opportunity in interventional radiology, where she found a calling that shaped her career, which was a mix of interventional radiology and medical device sales. She currently serves as a principal senior clinician for peripheral vascular and interventional oncology with Boston Scientific, a biomedical/biotechnology engineering firm and multinational manufacturer of medical devices used in interventional medical specialties.
Smith has been a devoted wife and mother to five children, and despite the demands of motherhood and a flourishing career, the desire to complete her degree lingered in the back of her mind. As her oldest daughter prepared for college, she felt a longing to return to school, finish what she started and set an example for her children that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle.
“Embarking on this educational journey after a hiatus of two decades was undoubtedly daunting,” Smith said. “The landscape of college had evolved significantly since my last attendance, with a shift from textbooks to online resources. The prospect of navigating this new terrain, coupled with the requirement to tackle college algebra and statistics, filled me with trepidation. However, fueled by determination and armed with the support of my family, I took the leap and applied to NSU. I was accepted, setting the stage for me to become the first-generation graduate in my family.”
Looking ahead, Smith plans to pursue clinical education of medical devices, providing educational training to future clinicians within her industry.
For anyone hesitant to pursue their degree for fear of failure, Smith has some advice: “Cast aside your fears and embrace the support offered by the faculty and staff at NSU. Believe in yourself, work diligently and never underestimate the power of prayer and perseverance. If a wife and mother of five can embark on this journey and achieve her goals after two decades, so can you.”
She credits the love, support and prayers of her husband, children and parents for much of her success, as well as support from the NSU faculty.
“I have enjoyed my time at NSU. The program provided a very robust learning experience. Each class was a building block for the next level of learning. This program allowed me to work full time, be a wife and mom as well as reach my educational goals,” Smith said. “I’ve clung to the wisdom encapsulated in Maureen Brady’s quote, ‘Whatever lies before me is not blocking my next step; it is my next step.’
NSU will hold commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 and at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum. The ceremonies will also be streamed online. Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.nsula.edu/graduation.
