June 3, 2026
Students in the radiologic technologist (“rad tech”) program become adept at using many diagnostic imaging tools. Their skills help medical professionals diagnose broken bones, torn ligaments, tumors, internal bleeding and much more.
Lexi Parden, now a graduate of the rad tech program, was learning to use these diagnostic tools at the very moment her husband’s life depended on them.
“I was a working class mom with three kids,” Parden said. “I wanted to build a better future for myself, and give my kids a better life as well. I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare, and then I heard about the radiologic technologist program. It sounded like a great way to get into the field, so I enrolled.”
It’s not easy to juggle school and family. However, the whole family was making it work, and Parden was nearing the end of the program. Then the stress meter unexpectedly redlined.
A Life-Altering Turn of Events
“I got a call from the hospital,” Parden said. “My husband had been out riding his bike and was flung off, hitting a tree at about 25-30 miles per hour. This is the one time he forgot both his bike helmet and his phone. I had no idea anything had happened until I got that phone call.”
Her husband was diagnosed with a severe brain injury and suddenly, Parden’s life turned upside down.
“My husband is self-employed, so our family income immediately stopped,” Parden said. “I needed to be at the hospital for my husband. I needed to be present for our three kids. And I needed to be in school. There were times I didn’t know how I was going to make it, but quitting was not an option. The overload would have taken me under if it wasn’t for the support I received from GRCC.”
More Than Just a School
Parden says that her professors and the staff at GRCC were incredible.
“I got help adjusting my schedule so I could be in all the places I needed to be,” Parden said. “They helped me find financial resources. So many people went above and beyond for me. I wasn’t just another student. I was part of a family, and that family is what got me through.”
During an interview for the radiologic technologist program’s 50th anniversary celebration, program director Julie Lackscheide noted that caring is the “secret sauce” to their success.
“Students come to this program because they are choosing to do something better for themselves and their families,” Lackscheide said. “But there are so many barriers. Many of our students are adults, and often parents besides. They’re struggling to balance learning, parenting, working and all the other ‘adulting’ in their lives. My philosophy is that we are as much friends and counselors as we are educators. We listen and support. We connect students with resources and remove barriers, all with the goal of convincing them that they can succeed.”
Unlimited Potential
One year later, the future looks a lot brighter for the Parden family. Parden says her husband has mostly recovered, which is nothing short of miraculous. She graduated and received her certification as an x-ray technician. In yet another blessing, Parden recounts that a position at Trinity Health in Grand Rapids opened up just in time, saving her the additional stress of a daily drive to Muskegon, where she thought she would be working.
Health and “normalcy” provide infinite reasons for gratitude. But Parden has also discovered more inspiration through expanding professional opportunities.
“Right after I started working at Trinity, they encouraged me to start cross-training in MRI,” Parden said. “I’m doing that, and I have two years to earn my certification. This is a whole new world for me and it’s fun. I can also see much more potential after I gain some MRI experience. I think it could be interesting to learn cardiac MRI, interventional radiology or bone density testing. There are so many options. I feel I’m doing what I was born to do.”
Julie Lackscheide’s goal is for students to graduate, pass their boards and find a job. She and her team are doing all that, at a high level, with all types of students. That effort leaves an indelible mark on those whose lives they touch.
“This program is challenging, but it’s worth every second,” Parden said. “It literally changed the course of my life and that of my family. I know that sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but the great news is that you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Everyone in the program is there to support you. If I can do it, so can you.”
Visit the Imaging Sciences department web page to learn more areas of study and career opportunities.
This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.