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CNC

Sisters celebrate newfound connection through CNC education

Jul 4, 2022 | 5:27 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The tightknit class of CNC Medical Radiography was a bit tighter than usual for a student in this year’s graduating class.

It may not be unusual for younger siblings to follow in the footsteps of older siblings when it comes to careers and education. However, having your older sister teach you during your post-secondary education is rare.

Duchess Park Secondary graduate Jayden Roach said she was always extremely proud of her older sister Alysha and her personal success graduating from BCIT in 2014 with a diploma in Medical Radiography.

“I steered away from it because I didn’t want to take away her success from her,” said Roach. Although in September 2020 her thoughts changed and she decided to apply to the program at the College of New Caledonia.

But it wasn’t before a quick text to her older sister Alysha.

“I still remember when Jayden messaged me,” adds Alysha. “She’s like, ‘How would you feel if I went into x-ray?’ I said, ‘Oh my god, yes!” I was so excited for her.”

Jayden began her studies in medical radiation technology at CNC in the fall 2020, with Alysha as one of her instructors. Both took extra care to make sure their relationship was professional throughout their instruction.

Both Jayden and Alysha appreciated spending time together in lab instruction. Hands-on teaching for several programs continued in person during early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When most people were distancing themselves from everyone, we were able to remain close,” said Alysha. “During labs, we maintained face-to-face interaction with students.”

As Jayden started her studies, Alysha was a little worried that her younger sister wouldn’t find the same love for medical imaging. That fear melted away after Jayden’s first clinical placement in a hospital.

“I called Alysha after my first clinical I think it was within my first week and said, ‘This is best decision I’ve ever made. I’m so glad I picked this program!’,” Jayden adds.

Jayden is now completing her final practicum placement and will join the medical imaging department of Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace at summer’s end. Now as peers, Jayden shares the same passion for medical imaging as Alysha.

“I love the excitement especially trauma scenarios. You do get that self-satisfaction when you get those perfect images. You always strive to do better, there are always learning opportunities,” says Jayden. “I’m so happy that I got to experience this with Alysha.”

“I think it’s just one more thing that we can add that we have a passion for,” adds Alysha.