Student Spotlight

Shawnee Reyes

Our MRI Program is made up of students who are diverse and fascinating – each with their own stories to tell. This March we are highlighting one such student, Shawnee Reyes, who decided to change her career path and came to Casa Loma College to do just that! Shawnee will be graduating in March from our MRI program – we will be sorry to see her go but know she has so much to give the imaging community. Good luck Shawnee.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests?
I am a native Californian, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley.  I have three beautiful kids that as much as I try to mentor and teach, teach me new things and inspire me daily. Any spare time I have, I enjoy spending time with my kids, friends and being outdoors.

How did your path unfold and who were the faculty and staff who have helped you along that path?
Transitioning from being in the dental field for decades to MRI has been an amazing experience thus far.  Over the past two years, the path of becoming an MRI technologist has been challenging in trying to balance family, work, and school.   However, my classmates, new life-long friends and Kelly Kumar have been notable contributors to my success here at Casa Loma College.  Kelly’s willingness to assist and support each student shows no limits.  Every encounter with her has been informative and enjoyable.  Every Saturday I walked in for class, Kelly was there to greet us with optimism and a friendly smile.

What have you learned or are learning that’s made a difference to you?
My decision to attend Casa Loma College’s MRI program was weighted heavily on the patient care aspect of the field. Patients are undergoing scans for simple MSK diagnostic images to grimmer life-threatening scans. Claustrophobia is an everyday concern for patients not successfully completing their scans. I feel the more I learn about diseases, pathology, the human body and personalities, I am increasing my skills as an MRI technologist but more importantly, learning to be compassionate and having patience with each patient.

What have you learned from other students?
No doubt, I have been very fortunate to take this journey of being an MRI Technologist with a diverse group of amazing students.  My classmates have been very motivating and supported since our first class in Anatomy.  I have learned valuable tips on time management and studying techniques.

What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge throughout the entire program has been time management. Balancing family, two jobs and school is difficult. I habitually carried my laptop, textbooks, and notes with me so any free time I had; I could review.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?
I enjoyed several classes. Anatomy was the first class and introduction to what exactly we would be scanning in the future. Dr. J was brilliantly entertaining and informative. But the stress management and nutrition course were, in fact, my most favorite. The courses were beneficial in prompting me on how to efficiently handle stressful situations and to take care of myself as well. The assignments and exercises definitely helped with my time management and stress I felt from my responsibilities.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I cannot think of anything about me that would surprise one.  I am an open book.

What is your plan for after graduation? What type of facility would you like to work in and why?
As I near the end of my externship, I am excited to find full-time work at an imaging facility. My goal is to find a facility similar to where I have been for the past six months. The facility performs simple and complex exams. I enjoy scanning MSK, prostates, breasts and want to become more comfortable with MRA’s.

Gaining exposure to multiply studies will increase my knowledge and skills as an MRI Technologist. I also believe a facility that offers simple and complex studies will keep abreast of technology and advancements in the field; which will be beneficial for me as a technologist.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students, diligently study and prioritize.  It can become overwhelming trying to balance family, work and socializing with online posts and studying, but it will be worth it all at the end.