Student Spotlight

Karin Nes

Karin Nes is one of our youngest DMS students – enrolling in the program almost right after high school, Karin has found a new love in Sonography and learning about the human body and we applaud Karin for her strength and dedication to pursue her goals and dreams at such a young age. It’s an inspiration to us all when a student finds their passion! “The world is your oyster – it’s up to you to find the pearls.” -C. Gardner

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? And any other interesting info here!

I’m currently a 19-year-old pursuing my dream career in Sonography. I was born in Seattle, Washington and I moved to California when I was 8 years old with my three sisters and my mom. I love having three sisters because they are like your best friends, they are always there for you whenever you need them. I decided to pursue my career straight out of high school.

Something I feel very proud of is that I am very motivated. If I start something, I will finish it and school is one of them. One of my major interests is the human body and the psychology of our minds. Our bodies can do so many amazing things and I’m so happy to be learning more and more about it.

How did you come to choose DMS as your choice for a career?
I chose the Sonography program because never did I think that I would be here. I wanted to challenge myself and push myself to get through the 2-year program. Sonography is such a rewarding career. Every single specialty in Sonography is rewarding, and everyone that I’ve heard is already a Sonographer, they absolutely LOVE it!

Is the program what you expected? Please explain
This program has made me so much stronger since I started and I’m so grateful for that. I’ve heard you have to have very thick skin to be in the medical field. Going deeper into the program, I’m gaining so much knowledge. I’m learning patience, perseverance, diligence, and so much more.

What have you learned or are learning that’s made a difference to you?
Learning more and more about the human body in depth has made me realize how special we really are! I have definitely started to take care of myself more than before I started the program. I am more aware of our bodily functions and anatomy and it makes me more cautious of what I do to my body! Our health is our number one priority.

What have you learned from other students?
I have learned so much from my peers. They are so hardworking, and I am so proud of them and where they are now. I’ve caught a glimpse of what it’s like in adulthood and it’s made me mature over this year. I look up to my classmates and I’m so glad to be going through this program with them.

What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge so far has been the current pandemic we are in. Though I am proud to be doing Sonography all through a pandemic, it has been the hardest part in my schooling so far. I will always find time to come in and scan someone, as it has become one of my hobbies and I am dedicated to learning and becoming more proficient in scanning.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?
I’m about halfway through the program so far and I would have to say that Vascular has been one of my favorite classes. I find it so compelling and if I could scan carotids and legs all day, I definitely would! I love the challenge of trying to find different arteries and veins, especially since everyone’s body is slightly different, it just makes it so much more fun and interesting!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I’ve wanted to be in healthcare ever since I was little, I would always pretend to have patients and take care of them as if I was a nurse. I never knew exactly what kind of field I wanted to be in since I was so young and uneducated. As I continued to learn about different fields in the medical industry over the years, I changed my mind so many times. I wanted to be a registered nurse, but I didn’t want to go through the long four years of schooling and it just didn’t seem like the right path for me. I also wanted to work at the front desk at a hospital which sounds pretty funny, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and do something a little more challenging and really learn about the human body. I soon discovered the career of Sonography.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
What some people might not know about me is that I will be the first generation in my whole family to be in the medical field and I feel very accomplished to say that! I hope that one day my children will continue the chain!

What is your plan for after graduation? What type of facility would you like to work in and why?
After graduation, I plan to apply for jobs right away. I plan to work at a hospital, as that is my dream place to work. There is so much I can learn there, and so many opportunities.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice for upcoming Casa Loma Students would be to study when you have some free time. Don’t miss the opportunity to study when you have free time because it’ll definitely make a difference. Also, take time for yourself and don’t be so hard on yourself, everything you do reflects YOU only. Self-care is very important, and it’ll only make you more motivated.

What makes Casa Loma special?
Casa Loma is a great school! Such caring staff and each and every one of the staff know the students and take the time to address concerns. The professors are incredible and I never

hesitate to ask for help because I know my questions and concerns will always be answered.