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Owens Cardiac Sonography Student Receives Lambda Nu Scholarship

Both figuratively and literally, Sara Austin has taken a long road to the cardiac sonography program at Owens Community College. Now that she’s here, Austin knows that all of the twists and turns have been worth it.

Her success in the classroom alone is proof of that. Austin was named one of the 15 recipients of a scholarship from the Lambda Nu Radiologic and Imaging Sciences National Honor Society. Criteria included GPA, recommendations from program directors and answers to professional questions.

“I feel incredibly honored, and I feel like I can represent my program and Owens as a whole,” Austin said. “I’m pretty motivated as is, but anything like this can help with days when you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired or the multitude of feelings we have as students.”

The Owens Tau Omega chapter of Lambda Nu is new at Owens this academic year. Austin, who is the treasurer of the chapter, said it’s a great way to be further involved in the program.

She also serves as the Owens class representative for the cardiac sonography program, where she serves as a touchpoint for support for her classmates as well as bridge to the faculty.

Even though sonography was new to Austin when she came to Owens, she brought life experience with her. Austin previously worked as a staff accountant, and while she liked her job, she wanted more out of her professional life. With a grandmother and mother who were both nurses, finding a way to help others was important in her search.

So, four days every week, Austin makes an hour drive to the Toledo-area Campus from her home in Bellevue. Being a part of what will be the first cardiac sonography graduating class makes those long drives worthwhile.

“I feel pretty motivated to come in here every day,” Austin said. “That’s what motivates me to come in here, is being in this program and learning new things about the heart. I feel really driven every day. I’ve never felt this way about a career path, so I know I’m on the right path. It’s a winding road to get here, but my past experiences and jobs led me to this point. It’s all coming together for me now.”

While Austin is a non-traditional student, she has never felt out of place at Owens. She admits transitioning to the classroom was a lot easier than she expected.

“I’m a non-traditional student, but I don’t feel like age should ever limit you,” Austin said. “I have not noticed a difference in the way the students or instructors interact with me. I feel just as welcomed.”

According to Julie Posey, Owens chair of Sonography, being selected for the Lambda Nu scholarship is a result of Austin’s “exceptional commitment to the medical imaging profession.”

“She’s consistently demonstrated leadership, professionalism, academic excellence and maintained a strong GPA while going above and beyond in her service to the program,” Posey said. “Sara is always prepared, attentive and a positive influence on her peers and faculty alike. This honor truly reflects the hard work she has invested and the high standard she sets for herself and others.”

Even with those glowing words from Posey, Austin was still shocked at receiving the scholarship. In fact, she checked the organization’s website to make sure it was real.

“I have an interest in leadership and education down the line, so I think these experiences will help prepare me,” Austin said.

Find more information on the cardiac sonography program at owens.edu.