My name is Dawn Charles, and I’m from the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia. An alumnus of St. Mary’s University (Halifax, NS), my educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing, Human Resources Management and a minor in Geography. I’ve worked in the technology field for over 10 years and I am certified in corporate security system administration. As a former member of the Nova Scotia women’s table tennis team, I enjoy playing competitive table tennis and volunteering in my spare time.
Several experiences have drawn me to Cardiology Technology. The broad scope of the field proves to be rewarding and intellectually challenging, as technological advancements improve diagnostic, procedures, and research. My fascination with the heart, how it works, and the technology behind diagnostics have been longstanding. In retrospect, as a child my curiosity, caring disposition, and my keen interest in helping others always shone through. Analytical by nature, I chose reading medical literature and watching medical programs because of my love for knowing what makes us tick.
The path I chose over the years was in response to trying to not be like my parents. You see, as first responders my parents had little time for things like family vacations. My vacations were with either one or the other and not both parents. Although there was great pride in policing and firefighting, somehow I was a little resentful and vowed to not take up a career anywhere near that field in hopes of not putting my future family through what I felt at the time was an ordeal.
In light of that, I chose the best business school at the time but still I leaned towards a field which would allow interacting with people – one of my many joys. In March of 2013, I spent 19 hours under observation at the cardiac hospital where I currently volunteer. I encountered the most caring and professional Cardiology Technologist, whom I had great admiration for because she made my 19 hour ordeal pleasant. She was knowledgeable, non-intrusive, compassionate, confident, empathetic, articulate, and amiable as she performed my many ECGs.
Blown away by my encounter, I said to myself “wow I wanna do that one day”. I wanted to be that person who would make a grave situation seem less stressful and more manageable. I wanted to be that person of comfort for that one scared soul who is thinking they may not make it past that very moment. That one person who made that difference in someone’s life!
Is that how my parents felt? Is that why they chose their profession? It must be! It just has to! How could it not? Because it had to have been something innate…something mind blowing that could take one away from their family to serve others. Then I had the epiphany – that moment where I told myself they did it for the love of others and making a difference. I accepted that I wasn’t neglected as a child and I got everything I wanted. I guess seeing my friends having family vacations (in the eyes of a child) I too wanted that?
The prominent technology company I worked for began downsizing. This came at an opportune time. Hooray! I could now plan my new career path. Deep down I knew I wanted something different – something that would help others, something that would be more fulfilling on a human and personal level. Decision – pursue my dream of studying the heart with the end result – helping others.
I researched, for three months and several schools came up. I narrowed it down to three of which Stenberg College was listed. I wanted a reputable institution, because I couldn’t accept anything less. Time was of the essence – I didn’t want to be at school for another two years. I didn’t want to relocate somewhere out there either. I wanted that flexibility and the option for in class studies when I needed the hands on experience. Stenberg provided all of these so it was very easy to choose.
After speaking to the very first Stenberg admissions representative, I knew I made the right decision. She stuck with me to end, ensuring I made all the entry requirements having been out of school for more than five years. Even when I was discouraged because some things took longer to fall into place she was there. Other than the duration and credibility of the program, the personable nature of staff at Stenberg made my transition into and experiences in the program a positive one.
“Fear is an emotion in response to something that may never happen” I read somewhere. I believe that it’s never too late to pursue a dream and make your mark in this world. Thinking back on my experiences I now know I wasn’t angry at my parents – it was just a child wanting something her friends had. I felt that strong conviction during those 19 hours and after speaking to my parents that strong conviction is exactly what they felt when the decided on their careers. It takes a special type of person to put family and helping others on a somewhat of an equal plain. As my destiny would have it – the apple did not fall far from the tree. Pursuing the Cardiology Technology program at Stenberg College will allow me to do just that – overcome my fear and blaze my own trail – realizing my dream.
To know more about Cardiology Technologist Program and Career, check out this video.
![An ECG demonstrates the extensive antero-septal-lateral myocardial infarction [heart attack] that Taryn witnessed.](https://stenbergcollege.com/wp-content/smush-webp/2022/12/ecg-1024x530.jpg.webp)
