Layla Carter &
Megan Cutright:
Early College &
Radiologic Technology
Megan Cutright and Layla Carter have always been a team. An inseparable mother-daughter duo. Often times, they had to be.
“I was 19 years old when I had her,” Megan, 38, says of Layla, 17. “I was still growing up and pretty much raised her by myself. So, we’ve always been a team, we’ve always stuck together.”
Now, the pair from Elyria is achieving a life milestone together. On May 17, both will graduate from Lorain County Community College. Megan will earn her associate of applied science in radiologic technology and Layla, a graduate of LCCC’s Early College High School program, will earn an associate of arts along with her diploma from Elyria High School.
“Commencement day will be a manifestation, I guess,” Megan said. “Going back to school has instilled a lot of confidence in me and that’s the kind of example I wanted to set for Layla. I want her to be confident and strong and to know that she’s able to do anything she puts her mind to.”
Megan said setting that example was her greatest drive in going back to school after nearly 20 years. She had worked in hospitality since graduating from the Lorain County JVS, but was laid off during the pandemic. Once she was back to work, it was only part time and ends weren’t quite meeting.
“It wasn’t paying the bills, and it just got really frustrating,” Megan said.
Around this time, Layla was taking advantage of LCCC’s Early College High School program. It’s an opportunity for students, beginning in ninth grade, to participate in a combined high school and college experience. The goal is to earn a high school diploma and college associate degree at the same time. All the courses are taught on the LCCC campus tuition free.
Layla was up to the challenge and, soon into the program, became her mom’s greatest champion.
“She kept saying, ‘Mom, you should really look into going back.’ So I did,” Megan said.
As she was researching various programs, Megan kept thinking about finances.
“I raised Layla living paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “My biggest goal was to do this debt free.”
With that in mind, when Megan came across the Students Accelerating in Learning (SAIL) program she was all in. SAIL provides both financial and academic support to help students graduate with their associate degree within three years. Megan was accepted into the program and assigned an advisor.
“Whitney Houghland helped me from day one,” Megan said. “I told her I was interested in the radiologic technology program but that I had no idea where to start. We just did everything together.”
Within three semesters, Megan completed her pre-requisites for the program. As she transitioned into the radiology material, she began clinical rotations. And then, in May 2024, landed a paid internship at University Hospitals Elyria. She’s still there today.
“I work as an assistant in the radiology department,” Megan said. “I’ve gained a lot of patient care experience and that’s helped build up my confidence.”
Megan said her student-based experience at University Hospitals Elyria has been so positive, she’s already accepted a full-time position once she graduates and passes the licensure test.
“I will graduate on the 17th, take the exam on the 21st and then, after that, I have a job full time waiting for me in June,” Megan said.
While Megan was mapping out her future in radiologic technology, Layla was excelling in the Early College program and deciding on her future. She began looking into nursing programs and, as of right now, has her eye on Bowling Green State University.
“She’s going to be the first the first in my family to go to four-year university,” Megan said. “I’m just so proud of her. She’s smart and kind and beautiful. The world is at her fingertips.”
The rigor of both programs—Early College High School and radiologic technology—caused its share of hardships and struggle. But the two got through it together. As a team.
“I think her watching me go through school and doing my homework has helped her through some of her classes,” Megan said. “I’ve always told her that no matter what happens, as long as we have each other, that’s all that matters.”
