The February pinning ceremony for American Career College-Ontario's radiography program was a hair-razing experience.
"You are at the end of your journey -- and I'm sure it has been a journey for most of you, if not all of you. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have enjoyed having you," ACC-Ontario radiography program director Melissa Wallschlaeger said during the event. "You are all very near and dear to our hearts and we want to see you do well."
Besides completing the two-year associate degree program, the group got to watch as fellow radiography graduate Leoncio Samala lopped off his long ponytail of black hair.
At the beginning of the program, Samala had vowed to cut his hair once he completed his degree. Two years later, he kept his word and let two of his classmates take a pair of scissors to his mane.
Samala said the radiography program was challenging, but encouraged future students to not be afraid to work together to complete it.
“Try not to go through a program by yourself. It's too hard for that,” he said. “If you work as a group, you guys are going to pass. It's very difficult doing it as an individual.”
During the pinning event, the 21 graduates filed up to the front of class to receive their pins from the faculty. After receiving his RT pin, Samala reached his hand out to radiography instructor Robin Johnson.
"We give hugs," Johnson said smiling, waving off his attempted handshake. "You can save that for graduation."
