Charlotte Michael, a 30-year employee, works in the Office of Student Life Student Health Center.
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State?
We had just moved to Ohio and there was an ad in the Dispatch for a radiologic technologist at Student Health. I came to campus, looked around and decided to apply for the job. When I interviewed, the people at Student Health were so friendly and welcoming and they treated the patients the way I wanted to be treated as a patient. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
What do you like about your job?
I love working with college students. College health is very different from other aspects of health care and it’s rewarding to play a small part in a student’s well-being and education. We also act as a clinical site for radiologic technology students, so in a small way we have the ability to make an impact on the future of our profession.
What is the greatest life challenge you’ve overcome?
I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma Aug. 16, 1977. My husband was in the Air Force, we were living in Germany at the time and our daughters were 2 years old and 6 weeks old. It was a frightening time not knowing what the future held, but thanks to wonderful care by the military medical staff, I’m still here. The experience helped me to decide to work in health care and hopefully play a positive role in someone else’s life.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing?
I think I would like to work in a small rural clinic. I did part of my training in a farming community where we saw pretty severe injuries but were also able to do tours for the kindergarten classes and help them understand how we used X-rays to take pictures of their bones. It provided a real sense of community.
Do you have a favorite Ohio State moment or memory?
I have a lot of really fond memories of Ohio State, some bittersweet, some really exciting, but my favorite moment would have to be seeing my daughter earn her pharmacy degree.
Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
Professional recognition and pride would include being a member of a winning “tech bowl” team many years ago as a student, as well as a first-place technology presentation on mammography in breast cancer detection. These were rewarding educational experiences, a wonderful way to prepare for the registry and a great way to meet a lot of others in my chosen field.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my husband. We’ve been married 42 years — we married as high school sweethearts knowing all the answers but none of the questions. We were raised in small towns where most worked in the coal mines without pursuing an education as a way to reach your dreams. He served in the military right out of high school and when his tour of duty ended, he returned to attend college and receive his degree. He was instrumental in my growth by encouraging me to continue my education. We have grown and matured and still managed to have respect for each other and the person we each grew up to be.
How do you apply the “One University” concept?
My understanding of “One University” is a way for all areas of the university to work together, providing the best for our students. I feel working at Student Life Student Health Services allows me this opportunity. I have the pleasure of mentoring radiologic technology students in a clinical setting, interacting with Wexner Medical Center staff and delivering quality imaging to aid our providers in diagnosing and caring for our student patients. We play a role every day in “One University” in providing their health care.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
Spending time with my grandchildren. They teach me about soccer and music and brighten every day.
What are you going to do when you retire?
Sleep in! I hope to spend more lazy days on the lake. I love to be near the water.
If you were the university president for a day, what would you do?
I would provide a safe haven for prayer, where all students regardless of faith might spend time to worship without discrimination or ridicule, a place for quiet and solitude.