ASCLS - IDAHO FOCUS

I discovered the clinical laboratory field simply because green is my absolute favorite color (at least it was back in the spring of 1990). I had been on a full-ride scholarship at BYU for four fabulous years. I had taken every class that sounded remotely interesting to me. I had obtained, in my mind, an EDUCATION. However, when I approached the counseling office about graduating with a degree in EDUCATION, they promptly told me that I was nowhere near finishing ANY kind of a degree because I had never declared a major! I desperately looked at the myriad of options, beautifully arrayed before me in various colors of the rainbow and a lovely shade of green caught my eye. I desperately grabbed the sheet and said, “This will be my major!”
     Luckily, the major turned out to be Clinical Laboratory Sciences and a Med Tech was born. For someone who put so little thought into their choice of a career, I have been deeply grateful that I love my job so much. This field has served me well over the course of my ccr. At times I was the sole bread winner and was able to provide a nice income and benefits for my young family as I supported my husband in school. A few years were spent working part-time and strange shifts so I could be a mom to my four children during the day and a Med Tech at night. Finally, when I became a single mom, and needed a full-time career to support my family, Clinical Laboratory Sciences was there for me yet again. I can think of very few other career choices that provide the flexibility that ours does.
     Wh      When I am not wielding a pipette in the laboratory, I enjoy spending time with my kids, taking on more than I can chew, and basically driving myself crazy with projects I have no hope of ever finishing. I have been known to go to extreme lengths to provide the ultimate birthday party and if you ever need a coffin, I’ve got a few in my garage.
     As a transplant from Utah via Maryland, I have come to love Idaho as a second home. I admire and respect the people I work with at EIRMC. I am delighted to be a member of ASCLS-Idaho and look forward to building new friendships within the society and across the state.

                 Diane Stumpf

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