Jessamae Bueno

I attribute my success to my desire to be a role model for my younger siblings and cousins. Growing up, we didn’t always have the best role models or resources, but my grandparents came to this country from Laos in the 1970s with very little and worked to build a better life for our family.

Being part of the second generation, I’m one of the first to earn a college degree and obtain a professional license, and that responsibility has always driven me. I wanted to show my siblings and cousins that despite our circumstances, it’s possible to achieve what may seem impossible.

Losing my grandfather in 2019 was one of the most difficult moments in my life. He was a huge supporter of education and building a meaningful future, and after coming here, he became a pastor and encouraged us to create a strong legacy. I carried his words with me throughout my journey and used them as motivation during my lowest moments.

My faith has also been a foundation for me. Putting God first in everything I do has given me strength, guidance, and perseverance. Even though my grandfather is no longer here physically, I truly believe he’s been with me every step of the way.

Ultimately, my success comes from my family, my faith, and my commitment to creating a better future not just for myself, but for those who come after me.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from both my grandparents and a fellow radiologic technologist, and together they really shaped how I approach my career and my life.

My grandparents always told me that education is something no one can take away from you, and that the work you put in isn’t just for yourself it’s for your family and the generations after you. That really stayed with me, especially during the difficult moments in my journey when I felt overwhelmed or wanted to give up. It reminded me to stay consistent, push through challenges, and keep going even when things weren’t hard. It shaped my mindset to see everything I’m working toward as part of something bigger than just me.

At the same time, a fellow technologist gave me advice that really grounded me. They reminded me of the importance of balancing my career with my personal life, especially being early in my field. They told me not to get so caught up in working that I forget to actually live to make time for myself, my loved ones, and the experiences I’ve always wanted, because that time is something you can’t get back.

Together, those two pieces of advice have helped me stay both driven and balanced focused on building a meaningful career, while also being intentional about living a full and meaningful life.

The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to truly invest in yourself especially in your education and your personal growth. These are things that no one can take away from you, and they create opportunities that can change not just your life, but your family’s future as well.

As women, we have more opportunities today than ever before, and it’s important to take full advantage of them. There were generations before us who didn’t have access to the same paths, so I believe it’s important to honor that by showing up, working hard, and building something meaningful for ourselves.

I also always encourage people to consider community college as a strong starting point. There’s often a misconception around it, but it can be a more accessible and affordable option, especially for those who may not have a lot of resources. It’s a smart way to build your foundation without putting yourself in unnecessary financial stress.

Don’t be afraid of hard work. We live in a time where there are a lot of quick and easy paths being shown, especially through social media, but there’s so much value in putting in the time, effort, and dedication to build a stable and meaningful career. That process teaches resilience, confidence, and how to overcome challenges.

And lastly, believe in your place in this field. Even today, there can still be moments where women are underestimated or face challenges, but that’s why it’s so important to stay focused, stay confident, and continue proving to yourself what you’re capable of.

You are more than capable of creating the life and career you want you just have to be willing to put in the work and believe in yourself.

One of the biggest challenges in radiology, and healthcare in general, is that the work can become very fast paced and technology driven, which sometimes makes it easy to lose sight of the human side of care. I see this often where patients may be scared, in pain, or anxious, and it’s easy to get caught up in procedures or schedules and forget that there’s a person in front of you.

I think the opportunity here is huge. Every patient interaction is a chance to make someone feel seen, heard, and cared for. That reminds me of why I got into this field in the first place when I was caring for my grandfather during his heart surgery, I realized how much even small acts of care and reassurance can mean to someone in a vulnerable moment.

In radiology, taking a moment to explain a procedure, make a patient comfortable, or just acknowledge their fear can make a real difference. At the same time, it’s a reminder to take care of ourselves because when we’re balanced and grounded, we can provide the best care possible. So while it’s a challenge to balance technology, efficiency, and patient care, it’s also the most rewarding part of the job, and it’s exactly what drew me to this field.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, care, and integrity. I’m very big hearted, and that naturally ties into my work as a radiologic technologist. In my career, I am always patient focused, making sure my patients feel seen, heard, and safe. I prioritize their care and comfort, because I know that every patient is someone’s loved one, and I treat them as I would want my own family to be treated.

In my personal life, that same value of caring extends to my family and friends. As the oldest sister, I’ve always taken on the role of supporting others being the person people can rely on when they need help, a shoulder to cry on, or simply someone to listen. I try to approach life with that same big heartedness, always checking in on others and making sure they feel supported.

I think that mentality is so important in healthcare, if the roles were reversed and this was your family member, how would you want them to be cared for? That perspective reminds me to always go the extra step, whether it’s listening, reassuring, or taking the extra time to make sure someone is truly okay. Compassion doesn’t clock out it’s who I am, both on and off the job.