Emilse Hernandez-Olmedo
Radiologic Technology
When Emilse Hernandez-Olmedo graduated from high school, she wasn’t sure what her next steps would be. She had taken some X-rays through a career path in high school and found it interesting, and her mom suggested she pursue an ultrasound degree. Once she looked into attending Delaware Tech, she determined a career as a radiologic technologist would fit her perfectly.
“It has always been important for me to go to college not only for myself but for my parents,” Hernandez-Olmedo said. “My mom’s goal has always been to see her children graduate college and become successful so that we don’t have to go through all the struggles they did. I'm a first-generation college student heading toward a secure job in my field after graduation. I think I'm accomplishing my mom's goal.”
Hernandez-Olmedo said attending college hasn’t been easy, especially financially. One of the main reasons she chose Delaware Tech was the ability to stay close to home which would give her the opportunity to work and help her family. However, she eventually had to change her plans.
“In my second semester, it became difficult to work and have class,” she said. “My major requires many hours of dedication. Eventually, I quit my job and focused on school, so I began to financially struggle. I did not have money to pay for my summer semester and could not register for my last semester of college.
“With my parents help and hard work we pulled through and paid the semester off just before it started.”
Once she enrolled in the radiologic technology program, Hernandez-Olmedo said she not only found the perfect major but a strong support system.
“My favorite thing about being here are the amazing friendships I created with my classmates,” she said. “We all became the best of friends, and I will forever be grateful for that. I will.
“I will also always be grateful for the amazing instructors that we have in the program. They have been our greatest support and biggest cheerleaders. I genuinely believe the only thing they want is for us to succeed.”
After graduation, Hernandez-Olmedo plans to begin working in the field as a radiologic technologist. Eventually, she would like to return to the program as a clinical instructor.
