Joni Granados uses her past experiences at South Plains College to guide her successful career as a laboratory supervisor.
Granados began studying Biology from 2007 to 2009 at South Plains College. She also worked as a laboratory assistant for the Chemistry Department. She explained that this experience allowed her to learn more about the professors.
She also prepped the chemicals and supplies for chemistry labs, which gave her a taste of what it was like to work in a laboratory.
“I greatly enjoyed working with the Chemistry Department, getting to know the professors, and learning more about working in a laboratory,” recalled Granados.
Granados said that she enjoyed her time at SPC because of her professors, the campus, and flexible schedules. Once she transferred to Texas Tech, she realized how grateful she was for the small classes and how the professors were able to help students individually.
When asked what advice she would give current students attending SPC, Granados explained that even though this is a community college, her grades follow her to this day when applying for jobs 10 years later.
“The best advice I can give is to enjoy their time at SPC,” Granados said. “It wasn’t until I went to a large university that I realized how much I under-appreciated the time and patience that professors have. The professors at SPC take time to help the students understand the material. Not to say that the professors at Tech weren’t helpful, but when you have a class of 200, you cannot provide individual attention that the professors at SPC are willing to do.”
Granados added that students should keep in mind that even though SPC is a community college, grades will follow you throughout your career.
“Every time I accept a new job, I must turn in copies of my transcripts,” said Granados, “though it’s been 10 years since I’ve attended SPC.”
Granados explained that SPC helped prepare her for earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at Texas Tech.
“I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Science, both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center,” explained Granados. “Attending SPC helped prepare me for TTUHSC.”
Granados has worked as a laboratory supervisor in two different laboratories. She is now a clinical laboratory scientist at South Texas Veterans Healthcare System in San Antonio, Texas.
Granados has accomplished earning multiple degrees on the way to becoming a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. South Plains prepared her for furthering her career.
“Earning my degree has helped me achieve my goals and allowed me to work in a field that gives me pride and a great feeling of accomplishment,” said Granados.
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