National Park College (NPC) student KaLariya McDaniel, a Radiology Technologic major,
was named student of the month for March.
McDaniel, who graduated from Hot Springs High School in 2021, is on track to complete
her degree at NPC in May of 2025. She said she chose Radiologic Technology because
of her interest in health care and the variety of opportunities it offers.
"With this degree, there are so many opportunities and different modalities that I
can venture off into, which is great because I enjoy learning new things," said McDaniel.
When asked why she chose NPC, McDaniel said, “I chose NPC because I am able to further
my education with it still being affordable. Throughout my college career, I have
faced some hardships, so attending NPC has also allowed me to stay close to home while
growing closer to my family.”
McDaniel added, “What I like best about NPC is the people I have met. Being in college
is very stressful but when you have people that are supportive and understand what
you are going through, it makes the bad days good and the good days better. The staff
members I’ve encountered are very encouraging and have always made me feel heard.
I will also forever be grateful for the friendships I’ve formed here as well.”
McDaniel explained how the courses she has taken at NPC have had a positive impact
on her.
“The courses at NPC have challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and sharpen up
on certain skills that will not only help me in my career but in the world in general.
My communication skills are improving, and I’ve become more open to jumping in to
try things that I normally wouldn’t,” said McDaniel.
McDaniel said her long-term plans after graduating from NPC include pursuing a bachelor's
degree in Radiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and
working locally for a few years. She then hopes to become a travel x-ray tech.
McDaniel's instructors praised her academic and clinical performance, as well as her
personality and soft skills.
Carla Kelley, director of the Radiology Technology program said, “KaLariya is an all-around
great student. She is a very good student academically as well as clinically. She
takes her studies very seriously. She is such a joy to have in our 2023-2025 class.
I expect great things from her in the future!. I expect she will further her education.
It would not surprise me to see her as a medical imaging department manager someday
in the near future.”
"KaLariya is an amazing student who strives to do the best she can both academically
and clinically. She came to us with a 4.0 in her pre-requisites. She never meets a
stranger in clinical and has the best soft skills known to man,” said Janice Ivers,
dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.
McDaniel said, “Being awarded student of the month is a huge honor. I take my education
very seriously and it feels great to be recognized for it. I would like to thank everyone
who considered me for this award. Thank you for your support, too. First, I thank
God for this opportunity, and my family for supporting me and always believing in
me. Also, to anyone who is going through a tough time, remember that things truly
do get better.”
