Student Spotlight

Mayya Mykulch (DMS Program 1803)

 Our June Student Spotlight features our Diagnostic Medial Sonography student, Mayya Mykulych. Mayya says she loves Mondays as there are always new beginnings. She appreciates the possibilities of the new week, meeting new people and making more money!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests?
I grew up in Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe. I’ve traveled the world and plan on travelling more. I love thrillers, learning languages, having tea, cats, and Mondays. I love going to school! Out of my whole life there have been only about 8 years where I have not been in school. I would gladly continue my education and would like to become a radiologist, but unfortunately, I have realized it too late in life.

What is a cause you are passionate about?
I have lots of dreams and passions but the most important one would be to invite my parents to the United States for Christmas and show them just how wonderful the States are. It’s funny to think how Americans take things like IKEA, Grand Canyon, going to college at the age of 6o as normal phenomena, anyone could be a part of. My parents, however, have never been abroad, and I want to show them just how liberating and pleasant life can be; how great different foods can taste; and how many miles one can put on their car in one single weekend, etc.😊

How did your path unfold and who were the faculty and staff who have helped you along that path?
I think life brings us lots of surprises. One of them was the closing of Brightwood College, of which I was a student of. The college seemed so solid to me. I have no clue what would have happened to me if Casa Loma College did not step in. For a year and a half spent at Brightwood, I have realized that it is fun to be a student again. At Casa Loma I understand just how incredibly interesting scanning can be! I think, I’ve come a long way from just trying to identify anatomy on an ultrasound image to actually continuously looking for pathology even while scanning my classmates. This transition would not have been possible if not for Mr. Dhillon. Image by image, Mr. Dhillon went over my scanning techniques and took the time to point out what I need to work on. His presence in skills lab makes me more and more confident in my skills. The whole team of Casa Loma has been extremely helpful, starting with Yesi on front desk and finishing with Mr. Cuellar, whose advice and guidance I very much appreciate. It is also of great help that Mr. Cabrales and Mr. Collins, previous Brightwood College instructors hired by Casa Loma College,  were able to hold my hand. They are amazing professionals and great human beings. Casa Loma would not feel like home without them. Overall, each and every person I have met and dealt with at Casa Loma treated me with respect and made sure my questions and concerns were addressed in timely manner.

What have you learned or are learning that’s made a difference to you?
Starting school at Casa Loma was not an easy task even though Mr. Dhillon and Nicholas made it as smooth as they could have possibly made it. The amount of studying I had to do every day surpassed my every expectation. I have learned to prioritize. That and ask for help and guidance from Mr. Cabrales, Mr. Collins and Mr. Dhillon. Even Dr. Baha and Dr. Arthur are always ready to help even though they have not even been my actual instructors.

What have you learned from other students?
Our class is awesome, and in tough times we stick together! My classmates always offer to be scanned knowing there is multiple scanning competencies I must pass to go to the externship. My class gives their body to scan, their time to explain a topic and even their lunch in case you didn’t bring any. I have to say; I really love my class.

What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge is scanning. I cannot wait for the day when I am actually going to be comfortable getting paid for this skill. It is a skill indeed and it requires a lot of different techniques, repetitive movements, hand and eye coordination, let’s be honest—it is quite a workout. Yet, I am trying to scan every day, regardless of the daily syllabus or even a patient to scan.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?
My favorite class is physics. I find it interesting, short and to the point, but skills lab is growing on me also, as I already mentioned.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a ballerina. Funny, isn’t it?

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I love Mondays, to me, Mondays are always new beginnings. I appreciate the possibility to start a new week, make more money, possibly meet new people, etc.

What is your plan for after graduation? What type of facility would you like to work in and why?
After graduation I cannot wait to finally start working!!! Ideally in a hospital, full time with benefits, etc.! I feel this goes without explanation. Every new grad is motivated by financial reasons and passion for the profession. It would be hard to find a person more excited to find a fulltime employment as I am. I am super excited just thinking about it!

What advice do you have for incoming students?
I would advise new students to make sure to look into the actual profession. It is way more challenging than I originally expected it to be. Once they decide they really want it, they need to put their destiny in Casa Loma’s hands. I am sure it would be a very rewarding journey!

What makes Casa Loma special?
When at Brightwood, I couldn’t wait to go to externship and didn’t care about the actual graduation ceremony. I’ve gone to college for my whole life. Now, however, when graduating from Brightwood is not even in question because they closed, I realized how privileged one is when they are actually able to graduate! I am definitely coming to my graduation!  Casa Loma is special in many ways, but what jumps right in the eye is the encouraging, kind, knowledgeable and caring faculty and staff.