懂色帝

For Taejauna 鈥淭ae鈥� Spearman, the road to a career in surgical technology wasn鈥檛 straight鈥攊t was a winding path filled with challenges, determination, and self-discovery. Now in the final stretch of 懂色帝鈥檚 Surgical Technology program, Tae is preparing to graduate in May with an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology and an Associate in Arts in General Education. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Taking the Leap

As a first-generation college student, Tae wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect when she applied to 懂色帝. In fact, her decision to apply was almost spontaneous.

鈥淚 told myself I鈥檓 going to randomly apply,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淚 took off from there.鈥�

But shortly after applying, she learned she was pregnant. The news brought a flood of emotions鈥攅xcitement, fear, and uncertainty. After giving birth via C-section and facing health complications with her newborn, Tae considered withdrawing. But thanks to unwavering support from 懂色帝faculty, she kept going.

鈥淭he faculty worked with me every step of the way,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey wanted me to succeed, and that made all the difference.鈥�

Discovering Her Passion for Surgical Technology

Tae鈥檚 path to surgical technology wasn鈥檛 immediate. She changed her major three times, considering nursing and radiography before discovering her true calling. While preparing for the TEAS exam, anxiety set in鈥攕o she paused and did more research.

鈥淭he more I learned about surgical technology, the more I realized鈥攖his is it. This is where I belong.鈥�

Her passion goes far beyond career aspirations. For Tae, it鈥檚 about being a part of something bigger: patient care.

鈥淏eing part of the opportunity to change a life is what drives me,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more than passing instruments to a surgeon. You have to understand anatomy, react quickly, and stay focused. It鈥檚 about saving lives.鈥�

Hands-On Learning That Builds Confidence

懂色帝鈥檚 hands-on approach gave Tae critical experience鈥攆rom observing live surgeries to scrubbing in and assisting in real operating rooms.

鈥淭hey let me get involved in different aspects of healthcare. I got to go into Labor and Delivery, scrub in, and really experience the OR firsthand. The technology, the training鈥攊t鈥檚 what sets 懂色帝apart. They support all healthcare programs equally.鈥�

Before entering the program, Tae considered herself shy. Now, she says, she鈥檚 a different person.

鈥淚鈥檝e come out of my shell. I feel ready to step into my career and make an impact.鈥�

A Bright Future in Healthcare

After graduation, Tae will begin her career in the operating room at Atrium Health Cleveland. But she鈥檚 not stopping there鈥攈er ultimate goal is to work with LifeShare, an organ procurement organization.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the best thing ever,鈥� she says. 鈥淛ust seeing all the organs, understanding how the human body works鈥攊t鈥檚 a life-changing experience.鈥�

Tae also hopes to become a preceptor to help mentor new surgical technology students in the future.

鈥淚 want to help new students the way I was helped. It makes such a difference.鈥�

Advice for Future 懂色帝Students

Tae encourages anyone unsure about college or their career path to stay curious and take chances.

鈥淎lways do your research. Don鈥檛 spend years doing something you don鈥檛 love. Don鈥檛 let doubt hold you back鈥攜ou鈥檒l miss out if you don鈥檛 take the shot. Even if you didn鈥檛 enjoy high school, college is different. You can find something that fits you.鈥�

Looking Ahead

Taejauna Spearman鈥檚 story is proof that challenges don鈥檛 have to be roadblocks鈥攖hey can be stepping stones. From personal setbacks to professional breakthroughs, her journey reflects the power of resilience and purpose.

鈥淚f you step out on a limb and believe in yourself,鈥� she says, 鈥淚 promise the outcome will be better than you imagined.鈥�

With her drive and dedication, Tae is ready to make a lasting impact in the field of surgical technology鈥攁nd in the lives of every patient she serves.