Third time’s the charm for Marian Meneses, who graduated last year from the Texas Southmost College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, a goal that was several years in the making.
The 28-year-old started her career in health care as a medical assistant at an OB/GYN clinic. It was there that she discovered her interest in sonography.
“My interest in sonography was sparked immediately observing our sonographers and their work,” the Brownsville native recalls. “But my plan didn’t quite go as expected.”
Upon realizing her passion, Meneses enrolled at TSC to begin her general studies and complete any classes she needed to apply to the college’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. However, she didn’t get accepted.
In fact, it took two more years for Meneses to become an official student in the sonography program, but she never gave up.
“If you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. The third time was the charm for me,” said Meneses. “And then there was overcoming the first semester struggle, where everything is new and challenging; and I thought I wouldn’t make it. But here I am – a registered diagnostic sonographer.”
Meneses, who now works as a registered sonographer with Su Clínica in Brownsville in the OB/GYN unit, credits her instructors, the hands-on training and real-world experiences she received while in the program for her recent success.
“You’re never fully prepared for what’s to come in the health care field, but TSC’s sonography program ensured that we had the foundational skills needed to go in prepared and confident,” she said. “Every instructor, was and is, a motivator, encourager and cheerleader for our success.”
Meneses added she can still call upon her instructors to get advice or ask questions.
In addition to Meneses being a registered sonographer and certified to conduct OB/GYN ultrasounds, she also has a certification to perform abdomen ultrasounds.
“A number of opportunities have come my way since graduating from the program,” said Meneses. “I was able to immediately start my career and begin looking toward a successful future where anything is possible.”
Meneses’ goals are to expand her knowledge, experience and learning in the sonography field, beginning with becoming a certified vascular sonographer and building a better life for her and her family.”
“It’s been all about school and getting to where I am today for the last few years,” she said. “Now it’s time to focus on giving back to my parents, because they have given me everything, to focus on patient care, help as many people as possible and build a life I can be proud of.”
For more information about TSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, visit tsc.edu.
Registration for TSC’s summer and fall 2022 semesters is currently underway. To register, visit tsc.edu/register.