2026 PSD Health Science: Tara Ballantyne
Tara Ballantyne’s pursuit of Radiologic Technology was a second career, right after stay-at-home mom. Both involve care, so when she decided it was time to work outside her home raising four boys, Rad Tech felt like a natural fit for Tara.
She looked for an affordable program without a waitlist, and she had an advantage: a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Dominguez Hills in Physical Education Teaching. Because she’d taken many of the prerequisites, she was able to enter the Rad Tech program on her first try. From there, however, the journey became a bit more difficult.
Tara was starting a new program, later in life, with sons at home who still needed her help. She also faced, as she said, personal and financial trials that made life and work difficult. But she persevered with the help of her family and Rad Tech faculty, The challenges were difficult, but meeting them was worth it.
“The advice I would and have given current and future Cypress College students is to become tolerant of being uncomfortable. Learning a whole new language and skill, which Radiology is, coupled with the pressure and stress of the clinical experience, is a two year experience of being uncomfortable, vulnerable and never really sure of where you stand. I feel like if a student knows that the only way is through this experience, and to know and understand that others before them felt this same way, it helps them have perspective- it helps them feel like it’s normal and they will make it.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in a small mountain valley town named Heber City, Utah. There was one high school and everyone knew everyone. We had three stoplights in town and I can vividly remember when our first McDonalds was built next to our high school. Needless to say, despite loving my small town, I was definitely ready to leave and go somewhere out of state for college. I attended a college in Idaho and although small, it was a new little world for me. I transferred after a year and attended a larger university in Utah where I then got married at age 19. We moved to California after a year of marriage and I finished up my bachelors degree in 2002 at California State Dominguez Hills in Physical Education Teaching. We moved for my husband’s career to Chicago, Illinois where I gave birth to my first son at age 23. I was a stay at home mom to him and thrived in that capacity. In 2007 we moved back to California for a job transfer and that is where I gave birth to my twin sons in 2008. We bought a home in Santa Ana, CA and when my twins were 10 months old I found out I was pregnant with my fourth and final son and had him in 2010. I have been a stay at home mom exclusively for the next 10 years, volunteering at every level for their schools, teams, church and other extracurricular activities. I became a substitute teacher for my kids’ school districts and also worked at my local gym. In the summer of 2023, I decided I needed to pursue a career. I looked into getting my teaching credential but then felt drawn to do something totally different. I felt compelled to begin my path to become a Radiologic Technologist.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about motherhood. My children are my legacy. My greatest desire is that my children lead productive lives where they strive to make a difference for good at home, church, and their careers. That passion has led me to be an example to my children by getting further education in a career of my choosing. They have witnessed me sacrifice and work hard to get where I am. I hope that means more to them as they get older and realize all that it took to get where I am today.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
When I was looking into a RadTech program I knew I needed to go somewhere affordable and somewhere without a waitlist. Little did I know how well the stars would align for me to enter the program on the first try. My good grades and my bachelors degree allowed me a leg up in many of the prerequisites and I also learned very quickly that a good friend that I went to church and played pickleball with was also the counselor for the Health Sciences at Cypress College. Upon learning that, I knew I was in the right place. I had her support, guidance, and confidence the whole way.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I was elected to be the Treasurer for the Radiologic Technology Program class of 2026. I collected dues and participated in decision making and planning for our pinning ceremony.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
I recall one day as I was on campus in the Health Sciences building, I saw a special needs student that needed help. Being a mom and a substitute teacher as well as being involved with youth groups for years allowed me to approach him and help him find a classroom he was looking for. I stayed with him and was able to help calm him when he was visibly upset. I remember thinking, I was happy to have been the one to help him that day. I felt like it came naturally to me and I felt fulfilled that it had been a good exchange for us both. It in a way, helped build more confidence that health care was a good choice for me. To help those in need everyday when often they are experiencing bad days.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
First and foremost, I want to thank Kelly Carter, the counselor for the RadTech Program. She was there for me in the very beginning, noticing a mistake with Admissions and Records that would’ve caused my application some problems. She has been supportive and a wonderful friend throughout this whole program for me. I want to thank Dr. Ranada for nominating me for this award and for Dr. Frianeza and Dr. Garcia for their guidance along the way.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Cypress College has been a tremendous support these past two years- from the lovely library for group study sessions, to the cafeteria and the free lunch it used to offer! I credit much of my energy to persevere my first year to the free energy drinks I’d stock up on at the cafeteria! I’m so grateful for the availability of the counseling department as well as the Financial Aid department for answering my dumb questions I’d take to them.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
My immediate plan is to get hired as soon as possible and start earning income! I have a family of 6 and a second income, and a good income at that, is so very needed after a year of 40 hours per week at clinicals with no pay!
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long term goals are to hone my craft and become a respected and enjoyable coworker in a radiology department at a hospital. My other long term goals are to be an amazing mother-in-law to my four sons’ future wives and be a loving and dutiful grandma to their future children. One of the sacrifices I have made in the past few years is a gym membership, and so I am looking forward to getting back the gains I used to have physically.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my ability to persevere in some very trying times these past few years. Going back to school at my age (46), with four children at home with very busy lives, is hard enough. Add on top of that some personal trials, and some major financial trials and it became overwhelmingly difficult most of the time. I credit phone call therapy with my sisters in Utah, and a couple of trusted friends here in California, and my faith as my lifeline when I felt like I couldn’t do another day.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
The advice I would and have given current and future Cypress College students is to become tolerant of being uncomfortable. Learning a whole new language and skill, which Radiology is, coupled with the pressure and stress of the clinical experience, is a two year experience of being uncomfortable, vulnerable and never really sure of where you stand. I feel like if a student knows that the only way is THROUGH this experience, and to know and understand that others before them felt this same way, it helps them have perspective- it helps them feel like it’s normal and they will make it.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I’d like to particularly thank my sister Natalie. She was my rock. She had experienced the same personal trials and career change about a decade before me. She is also RadTech and was a living example of what this career can do to change your life. I’m so grateful for her example and her support.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am just so honored to receive this award. It truly validates this whole experience for the past two years. It feels amazing that someone noticed that your set of circumstances were challenging in a way that not every student experiences and that they noticed your personal efforts to press on, create joy and achieve despite your circumstances. My personal mantra is ‘the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. – R.M. Nelson”