Siblings share a lot of things, but two sisters at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) found themselves sharing the love of a medical radiation technology career as an instructor-and-student combo.
It took a text message between sisters Alysha Zanette and Jayden Roach realized they both could pursue and love the same career.
Zanette graduated from BCIT in 2014 and instantly fell in love with her work in medical radiography because she enjoys the fast-paced environment, taking X-ray images for complicated cases and supporting patients.
“I’m very passionate, I love the profession,” said Zanette. “I was holding it in because I didn’t want to pressure Jayden into something that she might not love as much as I love.”
Roach watched with admiration as Zanette graduated and became a medical radiography technologist.
“Once Alysha graduated, I was so proud, she graduated with honours,” said Roach. “Even when I was in high school, I wrote my project on my sister’s success. She inspired me and continues to inspire me.”
Zanette eventually became an instructor in CNC’s medical radiography technology program.
Roach then started attending CNC for academic upgrading and set out to explore her career options.
However, the question about Roach following in her sister’s footsteps lingered because Zanette didn’t want to nudge her younger sister into choosing medical radiography technology and Roach didn’t want to take away from Zanette’s success.
Then came the text message.
“We have very similar personalities, and I was very curious about it. So, I was just going to go ahead and ask instead of beating around the bush,” explains Roach.
“I still remember when Jayden messaged me,” said Zanette. “She’s like, ‘How would you feel if I went into x-ray?’ I said, ‘Oh my god, yes!” I was so excited for her.”
Roach began her studies in medical radiography technology at CNC in the fall 2020, with Zanette as one of her instructors. Both took extra care to make sure their relationship was professional throughout their instruction.
The sisters appreciated spending time together in lab instruction as hands on teaching for several programs continued in person during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When most people were distancing themselves from everyone, we were able to remain close,” said Zanette. “During labs, we maintained face-to-face interaction with students.”
Zanette was also glad to see her younger sister found the same love for medical radiography technology after her first clinical placement in a hospital.
“I called Alysha after my first clinical. I think it was within my first week and said, ‘This is best decision I’ve ever made. I’m so glad I picked this program!’
Roach is now completing her final practicum placement and will join the medical imaging department of Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace at the end of summer.
“I love the excitement, especially trauma scenarios. You do get that self-satisfaction when you get those perfect images. You always strive to do better, there are always learning opportunities,” said Roach.
“I’m so happy that I got to experience this with Alysha.”
“I think it’s just one more thing that we can add that we have a passion for,” said Zanette.
