Katie Smith / Submitted photo

Katie Smith of Trenton came to Lenoir Community College twice, the first time right out of high school in 2015 and earned an associate in science degree. A year later she came back to earn her Surgical Technology diploma.

The LCC graduate was on the deans’ and president’s lists while in school. She chose LCC because it was affordable and close to home. 

Soon after graduation, she began working at Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern as a certified surgical technologist. “The Surgical Technology Program thoroughly prepared me for now what is my job by the clinical experience and also learning about the human anatomy, sterility, and surgical procedures in the classroom,” she said.

Smith decided to come back to LCC to study Surgical Technology because she was interested in the medical field, but didn’t want to start with nursing. “I researched surgical technology and thought it was something that would be interesting and also I play a vital role in a patient’s life.

“Little did I know then, that I would completely fall in love with what I do now,” she said. “It’s a life changing experience really. I’m helping the surgeon make that patient’s life better, whether it be taking out a gallbladder, putting in a new knee implant, or delivering a baby through a Cesarean section, I am helping that patient have a life changing experience for the good, and that’s enough reward for me.” 

A Jones County Merit Scholarship recipient, Smith said the scholarship helped her achieve her educational goals without worrying about the finances of going to school. “A scholarship can help a person get a college education and help them achieve one of their biggest goals in life – a career,” she said.

Smith said that her parents and both of her grandmothers have always pushed her and encouraged her to do her best and to work hard for whatever she wants to do in life.

“I am happy with my career as a Surgical Tech, so I see myself bettering myself each day in that career from here on out,” she said. “ College is a great choice to make. It opens a variety of doors for whatever career path you think you want to take.”