Graduate AshleyElizabeth Futrall says Lorain County Community College gave her something she didn’t think any other college or university could – a fresh start.  

This spring, the Elyria resident is earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. For Futrall, 26, this isn’t her first college graduation. In December 2018 she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Marketing from LCCC. But after graduating, she began having second thoughts about a career in the field. 

“When I started my job search, I realized I wasn’t excited about any of the career options,” she said. 

So Futrall decided to try again. And this time, she wasn’t only a student; she was a wife, a mother, and an employee. The mother of two worked part time throughout the entire program, putting in hours at Mercy Health’s Allen and Lorain hospitals. At times, Futrall worked both part-time jobs at once. 

“I had a lot of emotional and financial trials that I had to overcome,” Futrall said. “And I don’t think a lot of people realize just how hard the radiologic technician program is.” 

The grueling coursework and homelife balancing act got so difficult, Futrall said she nearly failed her second semester. But instead of giving in to the onset of panic, Futrall teamed up with her instructors to create a plan. 

“My professors have been amazing,” she says. “They made themselves available to help study and map out my success in the program.” 

Futrall put in extra study time both on and off campus, focusing solely on her studies.  

“I had to hide myself in my room for about a month and a half to study,” she said.  

The temporary seclusion paid off. Futrall is now ready to cross LCCC’s commencement ceremony stage for the second time, but says this degree is the true start to her career. And she plans to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in radiologic technology next.  

“LCCC made it possible to start again in the healthcare industry easily,” she said. “I don’t think I would have been able to afford that at a university.”