Each year, NSH accepts applications from Student Members for the opportunity to receive a $500 scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a NAACLS approved histology program. Winners of the scholarship can then use the money from the scholarship to help cover costs associated with pursuing their career in Histology. The scholarships were sponsored by Avantik, Epredia, Sakura Finetek, Newcomer Supply, and NSH. The winners of the 2021 NSH Scholarships are Laura Cutting, Emily DiGeronimo, Cythina Hurado, Sarah Kelley, Michael von Friedrich. Three of the recipients took the time to answer a few questions about their careers and how they will use the scholarship funds.
Cynthia Hurtado
What made you decide to pursue a career in histology?
Honestly, I hadn't initially looked into histology as being a career choice. After college, like most students, I was thinking to myself, "now what?". Now, I am incredibly grateful for the guidance of my best friend, who referred me to the company Castle Biosciences, Inc., where my career in histology began. I was hired as a Molecular Technologist and a Histology Assistant in 2017.
Other than my college experience, histology wasn't totally in my scope of career opportunities. Through my work, I learned the histology department's fundamentals and details, such as accessioning tissue, microtomy, staining, and laboratory procedures. I realized that I was hooked the day that I consistently created beautiful ribbons without fail. The position for histology lead opened up within a year of my being there, and I jumped at the opportunity to pursue the position. My laboratory manager noticed my drive to move the department in a positive direction, and I was soon promoted to lead the histology department. At that time, I felt underqualified and felt I needed to educate myself to succeed. My passion for histology only grew, and I felt like I had reached a point where I needed a more formal education. I'm thankful to have a supportive employer who encouraged my desire to return to school.
How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
My goal is to become a certified Hisotechnologist, so this scholarship will allow me to access studying modules provided by NSH and pay for my ASCP exam.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in histology?
I would encourage anyone new to the field to get involved as a histology assistant or request to shadow a histologist. As I've made my way through my clinicals, I've come across people passionate about their field and want to pass on their experiences to the next generation. I never thought I'd be receiving so much support from other histologists who share their experiences and knowledge with me and genuinely want me to succeed.
What advice do you have for other students interested in applying for scholarships?
Apply. Just apply. It never hurts to put yourself out there, and you will gain valuable experience whether you succeed or fail!
What are your plans after you graduate from your program?
I plan to stay at my current company and share my knowledge and experiences with the Clinical Research Department. I have been heavily invested in clinical work, and now I would like to experience how histology is involved in research development.
Laura Cutting
What made you decide to pursue a career in histology?
I originally started as a vet tech but discovered I wanted to work in the lab. Luckily enough for me, there was a veterinary lab in my town, so I went there after I was done with school. I started out doing heartworm testing, but soon after, there was a position in histology, so I decided to try it out. I didn't know anything about it when I started but eventually realized that I enjoyed it and wanted to stay in the field. Over time, I was allowed to do more technical work, such as embedding, even though I didn't have my HT certification. My goal was to complete a histology program and return to the vet lab as a tech. However, the lab was sold and eventually closed last year. I still wanted my HT certification, so I will be working in a human lab instead when I am done with that.
How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
This scholarship will pay for my certification exam, along with textbooks and study materials I've needed along the way. This will be a big help as I begin my career as a histotech.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in histology?
Histology is an excellent option if you want to work in healthcare but aren't interested in direct patient contact. You can make a difference in people's lives in a different but equally important way. It would be beneficial to tour a histology lab while work is going on so you can get an idea of what it entails.
What advice do you have for other students interested in applying for scholarships?
Even though it may take some effort, it is worth putting the time in to apply for scholarships. Share your story, and you just might end up with some extra money to help you achieve your goals.
What are your plans after you graduate from your program?
I have already accepted a position at the lab where I completed my histology program. I even got to continue working with some coworkers that came over from the vet lab with me.
Michael von Friedrich
What made you decide to pursue a career in histology?
To be licensed as a Medical Technologist in Germany, I needed to have Histotechnology as part of my curriculum.
How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?
The scholarship will help ease the financial burden so that I may sit for the HLT ASCP exam.
What advice do you have for other students who are interested in histology?
You must develop the skills that will enhance your ability to think critically and pay attention to detail.
What advice do you have for other students interested in applying for scholarships?
I have not applied for many scholarships because I thought that I am either not worthy or that I would not be selected for one. I say go out there and take the time to apply for all the scholarships and grants that are available to you. You never know until you apply, and you just might get the money you need to fulfill your academic career goals.
What are your plans after you graduate from your program?
My immediate plans are to sit for the HLT ASCP exam on the 17th of December and pass the examination. I will then pursue a career in laboratory medicine in Europe.
#2021#Blog#MemberStories