Keiser University Lakeland Campus learner Kathleen Jean-Baptiste recently received the surprise of a lifetime when she was awarded a car thanks to CareerSource Polk and its partner Regal Automotive.

Designed to help overcome transportation barriers and build a stronger Polk County, the Nissan Altima award came about after Jean-Baptiste learned about CareerSource Polk through Keiser University Lakeland Campus leaders and was put in touch with Career Development Specialist II, Jacqueline Smith.

“I maintained good grades, impeccable attendance, and stayed in regular communication with my career development specialist throughout the extent of the program,” said Jean-Baptiste who shared that she is thankful to have been awarded CareerSource Polk scholarships through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Career Development and Training Program and learned about the opportunity to win the car as part of the organization’s Workforce Incentive Awards.

Encouraged to apply by Keiser University Student Services Advisor Abigail Richards, Jean-Baptiste said she anxiously looked forward to learning the outcome of her essay and follow-up discussion with CareerSource Polk President and CEO Stacy Campbell Domineck. “I waited with bated breath to see if I had been accepted,” she said while adding that she was soon thrilled to learn she was invited to the awards breakfast. “I am so grateful to CareerSource Polk for everything that they have done for me. It was with their support from the start that I was able to complete my education and now with their transportation support I can continue.”

As a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer and Radiologic Technology learner, Jean-Baptiste will always have a heart for giving back, “I know that the person that I am today comes from the educators who raised me, my mother Cathy Jean-Baptiste, especially,” she said while also sharing appreciation for those who have helped guide her educational and career path including a family friend who unknowingly introduced the opportunities enjoyed by Radiologic Technologists. “That introduction of meeting someone in the field got the ball rolling,” she said while describing the varied modalities and other career paths professionals can embrace. “After getting clinical experience I realized how much I enjoyed the energy of the medical field, the organized chaos, and the fact that there’s always something new to learn or witness. I’m so grateful,” she said while also sending thanks to clinical instructors Susan Nieves and Michelle Allred who have led by example. “They are compassionate and committed professionals and expect the highest standard from us at clinicals. I credit them with developing the level of professionalism that I see within myself now and also my classmates, they expect the best from us because they know we are capable,” she said.

“Ms. Jean-Baptiste is one of the most involved, passionate, and driven students we have,” said Student Services Director Brandon Griffin. “She is always looking for opportunities to further herself and her career and is on our advisory board and has a great commitment to the community,” while adding that she and her mother conducted a successful book drive to benefit those in their hometown of Grace, Saint Lucia.

Having just earned her Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology, Jean-Baptiste looks forward to pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Sciences to progress to medical school with the goal of becoming a physician.

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the profession, producing radiographic images in accordance with standardized practices and procedures.  The program provides radiologic information including medical terminology, patient care, radiographic procedures, radiation protection, equipment operations, and image production and evaluation. The program’s graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and are eligible to be licensed by the State of Florida to practice Radiologic Technology.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to doctoral levels. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.