The Bangerts, from the left: Peter, Annaliese, Karl, Lydia and Augus
The comfort zone—even the words sound soothing. Does this phrase evoke a comfortable chair next to a roaring fire? Does it make you think of being with P.E.O. sisters who appreciate you and your efforts? Do you think of a job you have which you know you do well? The comfort zone means many things to many people. I think it is something we all desire and strive for in our daily lives.
What was my personal comfort zone? I was a wife and a mother of four with a part-time job. Although I love the challenges and rewards of motherhood, my part-time job as a clerk in a hospital was unchallenging and unfulfilling. What caused me to leave my comfort zone? I dreamed of having a job I enjoyed where I felt I was contributing to a greater good as well as having an impact on the lives of other people. I found these characteristics in radiation therapy—the treatment of cancer patients with a variety of radiation modalities; I knew I needed to go back to school.
Going back to school to further my education meant leaving my comfort zone. I remember feeling apprehensive about taking notes, tests and writing papers again. I was lucky to have instructors who were available for questions and guidance and who made me feel welcome.
Learning to study again and to balance my schoolwork with my job demands and my home life were definite challenges. A greater challenge for me was the extensive clinical rotation portion of the Radiation Therapy program. Students work alongside registered therapists at various clinical sites. The practical experience gained as a student during these rotations is invaluable. This part of my training was emotionally challenging for me. The clinical rotations were similar to a constant daily job interview or at least similar to starting a new job.
The positive side to that stressful situation was that I was directly affecting the lives of patients—one of my original goals. I had an impact on patients by helping to cure their cancer and by making their journey a bit easier and less stressful. The lessons I retained from my clinical experiences shaped how I perform as a radiation therapist, a caregiver and a mentor for future students.
Throughout my journey I received much support from my chapter sisters. They always asked me about school, consoled me when I had a bad day and celebrated all of my successes. During my second year of the program, our family finances became a bit tighter as our oldest son went off to college. In addition, my class and clinical schedule made it impossible for me to continue working. My P.E.O. sisters stepped in and nominated me for an ELF loan.
I was thrilled to receive an ELF loan in the amount of $9,000! What a relief to have this financial assistance to help pay for my classes. What a blessing to have sisters who are so supportive and caring, who are willing to act when they see a need.
In May 2010, I graduated with high honors from the radiation therapy program at the University of Michigan-Flint. A few weeks later I passed the national radiation therapy certification exam and became a fully certified radiation therapist. Last July I started the next step of my journey in my new career at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I know that the support I received from so many sources (family, friends, instructors, P.E.O. sisters and ELF) carried me through two years, which were not always easy, but definitely worth the effort. This encouragement made possible my voyage to another place where I am comfortable with new knowledge, a new career, and new goals—a new comfort zone.
