Elekta funds educational scholarships for the training of six radiation therapists
The scholarship, which is awarded via the ASRT Foundation, helps future radiation therapists finance their studies
Six deserving students working to become radiation therapists (RTTs) in North America recently were named recipients of Elekta’s 2023-2024 Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship, a $5,000 grant to help them financially while studying the profession. The winners are Bellamie Curyea, Annie K. Ho, Yessenia Olvera, Toni Otubu, Kaylae Shanahan and William Andrew Swanson.
Bellamie Curyea – Grant removes obstacles to her future
Bellamie received an education about the challenges of balancing schoolwork and supporting herself while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in radiation health physics and a minor in public health, a first step in her journey to becoming a radiation therapist.
“The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship has enabled me to enter and maintain success in my radiation therapy program, and I am currently finishing my first year.”
“Although these studies provided an excellent foundation for me to understand and apply critical thinking skills in radiation therapy, the financial aid I was offered was limited and, because of the time demands of the program, working full time to pay for everything wasn’t very feasible,” she says. “The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship has enabled me to enter and maintain success in my radiation therapy program, and I am currently finishing my first year.”
So far, Bellamie notes she has enjoyed the simultaneous academic course load and clinical experience offered through this program, which has enabled her to take what she has learned and find applications for it in her future career almost immediately.
“This has not only solidified my learning, but it has also allowed me to make decisions about the kind of radiation therapist I want to be,” she says. “I want to be an RTT that is compassionate to patients, one that can think critically and make decisions when novel situations arise that go beyond simply following procedures, and I want to be a supportive member of the care team who is valuable to both patients and the healthcare system.
“I am sincerely grateful for ASRT’s and Elekta’s contribution to my future,” Bellamie adds. “The funds will ease my financial burden and allow me to achieve my goal of becoming a radiation therapist.”
Annie K. Ho – Inspired to succeed in America
As an émigré to the United States, Annie Ho volunteered for the road less traveled, requiring her to learn a new language and adjust to a wholly different culture than the one she left.
“By selecting me as a scholarship recipient, Elekta has become part of my support community.”
“I had to put in twice the work compared to other students, but it wasn’t without the help of my community,” Annie says. “I understand that if I keep persistently climbing the ladder of success, there will be people who will reach out to offer many forms of assistance throughout my journey. By selecting me as a scholarship recipient, Elekta has become part of my support community.”
Annie is now in her first year of a two-year radiation therapy program at Oregon Health and Science University, making her the first in her family to attend college.
“My mother could not be any prouder, not only of how far I have gone, but how far I am going to strive for,” she says. “I have made a promise to myself to continue forward no matter what, because I have worked too hard to ever fall backward.
“Today, I want to extend that commitment to Elekta,” Annie adds. “I promise to use this opportunity that you have given me to the best of my ability, and soon I will be able to achieve my goal to attain my dream job as a radiation therapist. Once I do that, I hope to give back to my community just as you have done for me. Thank you for setting the perfect example of what it means to give back.”
Yessenia Olvera – Future caregiver and role model
With the help of an Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship, Yessenia Olvera will be able to give her full focus on her education and thrive in her radiation therapy program.
“Through the ASRT, Elekta’s generous financial support is allowing me to make my goals and dreams a reality.”
“Through the ASRT, Elekta’s generous financial support is allowing me to make my goals and dreams a reality,” Yessenia says. “As a future professional in the health field, I will be able to care for people in need and serve as a role model for my family and others around me. One of my goals is to help people understand that through education, we can build a great community and a better future for ourselves and the next generation.”
Toni Otubu – Felt the call to radiation therapy
There’s something about a career in radiation therapy that pulls some people away from what they initially thought they wanted to do. Such was the case for Toni Otubu, who was first in her family to be born in America to immigrant Nigerian parents.
“I was pursuing a career in education and decided to turn 180 degrees and go into healthcare — specifically radiation therapy,” Toni says. “When I meet people and tell them I want to be a radiation therapist, they always say I am perfect for the job. At first, I thought I was wasting precious time changing career paths, but I knew this was the vocation for me — not because of what I get, but what I could give others: hope and compassion.”
When applying for radiation therapy programs at different academic institutions, she thought she would never leave Texas for financial reasons. But then a Minnesota school recognized Toni’s potential and accepted her. It was a significant adjustment for the young woman, as she had to figure out how to afford her education and find housing.
“I am very independent, but I had to rely on others for help,” she says. “I reached out to friends and family for spiritual, financial and emotional support.”
On a whim, Toni decided to become an ASRT member and saw that it offered several scholarships, among them the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship.
“I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have been selected for the Elekta grant.”
“I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have been selected for the Elekta grant,” she says. “Financial security is fundamental to me, and with this scholarship I will be able to limit the debt I accrue and spend more time focusing on my education.
“I do work during school, but this scholarship allows me to not feel required to work just to manage finances,” Toni adds. “I am thankful to pursue a career that enables me to bless and help others during difficult times. I hope to one day work at a facility with Elekta equipment and navigate it fondly.”
Kaylae Shanahan – A burden lifted
Nearing the end of her radiation therapy education at Galveston College (Galveston, Texas), Kaylae Shanahan’s concerns began to mount regarding finances. She is excited to start her clinical rotation this summer and is expected to graduate in the spring of 2024.
“The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship will take a huge burden off my shoulders and allow me to focus more of my energy into becoming a caring and competent radiation therapist.”
“One of my biggest worries I have had about completing this program was the amount of driving to get to clinical locations,” she adds. “Most of them are about 60 miles away, so it is hard to work out the logistics and finances. The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship will take a huge burden off my shoulders and allow me to focus more of my energy into becoming a caring and competent radiation therapist.
“I had spent a lot of time trying to figure out a way to make my financial situation work so I could get through school,” Kaylae says. “It is such a relief to know that most of my remaining tuition will be covered. ASRT’s and Elekta’s earnest and generous investment in future radiation therapists will not be forgotten. It makes a difference!”
William Andrew Swanson – Scholarship provides peace of mind
Like thousands of college students over the preceding decades, William Andrew Swanson knew he would have to juggle how to make money to live while also studying for a career. The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship made this challenge much easier to meet.
“I can peacefully move forward knowing I will be able to meet my expenses without compromising my study time, thanks to Elekta’s and ASRT’s generosity.”
“Being selected as a recipient of this scholarship is important to me, because it will allow me to continue to keep my focus on my training as I begin my clinical schedule and therefore have less flexibility to earn a living at the same time,” William says. “I can peacefully move forward knowing I will be able to meet my expenses without compromising my study time, thanks to Elekta’s and ASRT’s generosity.”
He will be finishing his radiation therapy program in 2024, after which he plans to pursue CT and MRI licenses.
“I promise to honor the confidence my benefactors have shown me with hard work, success and gratitude, and just as importantly, to pay the blessing back in the future to another well-deserving student,” he says.
Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship
The Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship was established to help the best and brightest students afford their radiation therapy programs. Elekta cares deeply about the oncology profession and is a passionate supporter of radiation therapists.
In recognition of the importance of improving diversity, inclusion and representation in the health care industry, at least two of these six scholarships are awarded each year to Black students.
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