Cara Johns
Alex Gauamis
Owens Community College offers many opportunities for students to further their careers both in and out of the classroom. This year, two surgical technology students achieved a first at the College. Cara Johns and Alex Gauamis were the first Owens students to be inducted into the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) National Honor Society.
Johns, a Batesville, Indiana native, originally pursued sports management at a large university. When she realized that wasn’t her calling, she explored careers in the medical field and discovered surgical technology to her liking. “I wanted to be able to help people, have something quick and ever evolving,” she said. While at Owens, Johns became a first-time mother, wife, employee and student simultaneously. Her journey challenged her and as she saw her hard work pay off, she applied and was accepted into the AST National Honor Society. “It is such a privilege to be recognized for the work and endless hours I have put into making this career change,” Johns added.
Unlike Johns, Gauamis always knew his calling was in the medical field. Both of his parents are healthcare professionals, which exposed him to what his career could look like from a young age. The Honolulu, Hawaii native was able to use his skills learned at Owens worldwide in 2023 on a medical mission trip with his parents. “To be able to help the citizens that need the most help brings warmth to my heart and I will never forget the memories I made from attending,” he said. When Gauamis also learned of his induction into the AST National Honor Society, he realized just how much his determination helped his success. “We work so hard to get where we are and to be recognized for our hard work means a lot to me, the program and the College,” Gauamis added.
As members of the AST National Honor Society, students must maintain a 3.75 GPA, project qualities of integrity and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities. The students were nominated by their program director, April Kesler. Johns and Gauamis are now lifetime members of the AST National Honor Society.
Johns and Gauamis graduated in May 2023 from Owens. Johns is working at Mercy Health Perrysburg Hospital as a surgical technician and Gauamis works for Community Tissue Services as a coordinator in tissue recoveries.
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Published June 2023