Liza Breitenstein, an outstanding student in the SBCC Radiologic Technology program at SBCC, is a wife, a mom of four, and a grandmother. Having waited until her youngest child started high school to apply for the radiology program, she found herself on the waitlist for four years before getting into the program. This was actually good timing she says, because her youngest is now 19 years old and a sophomore at UC Irvine.
“I have been interested in radiology for around 15 years,” Liza said. “But I focused on my family and told myself that one day, when the time is right, I will go back to school.” Now is the time, and she is thrilled to be halfway through the two-year program! She’s learned a lot, and has been interning at Cottage Hospital over the past year.
Liza had to resign from her full-time job to enter the program and pursue her dream of becoming a radiologic technologist. Thankfully, she was recently awarded two scholarships through the SBCC Foundation, one in partnership with the Rotary Club of Montecito. She’s excited to earn her associate in science degree in spring 2026.
“I know some people may think radiographers just take pictures and push buttons, but radiography is so much deeper than what you see on the surface,” Liza explained. “They provide doctors with imaging that assists them with diagnosing patients with injuries or disease. At other times, they’re in the operating room, assisting surgeons by getting images that are crucial for a successful surgery. Radiography is truly a vital part of patient care.”
Liza says her family has been very supportive of her decision to come back to school. “I appreciate them so much,” she said. “My kids say I inspire them, and that means the world to me.”
