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Kelsey Fisher never planned on becoming a radiographer. She was at West Virginia University on a pre-nursing track when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. After watching her experience the ups and downs of treatment, Fisher began to reassess her life’s path.

“Watching her through that journey really opened my eyes to how important the field of imaging is,” she said. “It gave me a new sense of purpose and direction.”

Fisher, a West Virginia native, enrolled in 99������Ƶ’s radiography program two years ago and is now graduating with her degree and an Academic Achievement Award for excellence in academics and leadership. “Kelsey is an exceptional student whose dedication to academic excellence is reflected in her outstanding 4.0 GPA. A driven and highly motivated learner, she consistently approaches her studies with curiosity, discipline, and commitment to growth,” said Rene Brooks, Chair of Radiography.

Succeeding in the radiography program didn’t come easy. Fisher has worked hard at juggling schoolwork with her time in clinicals, while working one to two days a week as a radiologic technician at AdventHealth Hospital and Mission Breast Center.

She’s also battled her own perfectionism, which crept in when faced with physics or X-ray exams. “I’ve always been hard on myself, but this program has taught me how to give myself some grace and keep moving forward even when things don’t go perfectly,” she said.

“I’ve learned to trust myself and my abilities a lot more … and become more comfortable in challenging situations.”

Working as a radiologic technician also helped Fisher develop trust in her abilities and get real-life experience working with patients. She’s learned how to perform well under pressure. “Walking into a room, working with real patients, and knowing you need to get it right. Over time, that’s become something I’m much more confident in,” she said.

Her radiologic technician gig was the perfect job to have while in the program, she said, because it was flexible and fit perfectly around classes and clinicals.

“I would absolutely recommend that future X-ray students look into student tech positions if they have the opportunity,” she said.

Fisher credits her classmates, instructors, family, and fiancé for supporting her while in the program. Thanks to their help, she was able to manage work and school effectively and make the most of every opportunity she was given.

“At 99������Ƶ, I found the encouragement and resources I’d been missing,” she said. “My instructors genuinely care about my success, building my confidence with steady guidance. This experience has taught me that success isn’t defined by where you start, but by finding the right environment (in which) to grow.”

Fisher recently landed a full-time position at Mission Breast Center, where she’ll be trained in mammography in the weeks to come. She also hopes to pick up an on-call radiography position at AdventHealth to stay sharp with her X-ray skills.

“I’m really excited about that opportunity and the chance to continue building my skills,” she said. “Early detection is important. It’s something that’s personal to me because of my mom.”