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Bettina Gatling

6,165

Bold Points

3x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

As a future medical lab scientist, my life goals are centered on contributing to advancements in healthcare while ensuring the highest level of patient care. My ambition is to specialize in areas such as hematology, where I can play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases and guiding treatment decisions. I aspire to continue to work in a laboratory setting, where each test performed contributes directly to patient outcomes. My long-term goal is to not only master my craft but also to share knowledge and inspire the next generation of medical lab scientists. What I am most passionate about is the pursuit of truth through data. Each sample holds a story, and uncovering the hidden details through precise analysis is what drives me. I am deeply motivated by the impact of accurate lab results—how they bring clarity to complex medical conditions and offer hope to patients and their families. This passion fuels my dedication to precision, accuracy, and lifelong learning. I believe I am an excellent candidate for this scholarship because of my unwavering commitment to excellence in medical laboratory science. My academic achievements reflect my dedication and readiness to thrive in this challenging field. Beyond academics, I possess a meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a genuine desire to make a difference in healthcare. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but also empower me to focus entirely on my studies and professional growth, ultimately allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the field.

Education

Old Dominion University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

College of the Albemarle

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

Liberty University

Master's degree program
2019 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Minors:
    • Public Health

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Master's degree program
2001 - 2004
  • Majors:
    • Biology, General

Elizabeth City State University

Bachelor's degree program
1996 - 2000
  • Majors:
    • Biology, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Medical Laboratory Scientist

    • Professional Blogger/Ghostwriter

      Textbroker
      2020 – 20222 years
    • Lead Medical Laboratory Technician

      Virginia Oncology Associates
      2023 – Present2 years
    • Medical Laboratory Technician

      Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Community Representative

      Advarra
      2021 – Present4 years
    • Biology Instructor

      Fortis College-Norfolk
      2018 – 20191 year
    • Biology Adjunct Instructor

      Tidewater Community College
      2018 – 20202 years
    • Biology Tutor

      Tutor.com
      2015 – 20205 years
    • Biology Instructor

      Medical Careers Institute
      2006 – 20137 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    1994 – 19951 year

    Awards

    • no

    Research

    • Biology, General

      UNC at Greensboro — Graduate Student
      2001 – 2004

    Arts

    • Church

      Music
      yes
      1984 – 2001

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Roanoke Chowan Hospital — Youth volunteer
      1997 – 1999
    • Volunteering

      Albemarle Hospital — Youth Volunteer
      1999 – 2000

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Dream Valley Landscaping 2025 Scholarship
    My name is Bettina Gatling, and I am a passionate individual dedicated to making a difference in healthcare and inspiring others through my writing. I hold a degree in clinical laboratory science, which has fueled my desire to become a medical laboratory scientist. My journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, each shaping me into the determined, resilient, and compassionate person I am today. I’m also a published author, writing books that encourage and empower readers to overcome adversity and grow in faith. My diverse experiences have given me a deep appreciation for learning and serving others. This scholarship will be a tremendous blessing by easing the financial burden of continuing my education. It will allow me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial hardship, giving me the opportunity to sharpen my skills and achieve my goal of becoming a medical laboratory scientist. More importantly, it will empower me to give back to the healthcare field and help patients by ensuring accurate and reliable test results critical for diagnoses and treatment. My primary academic goal is to complete my education and earn the credentials required to work as a medical laboratory scientist. I am eager to contribute to advancements in healthcare and to be a part of the behind-the-scenes work that saves lives. Long-term, I envision myself becoming a leader in the laboratory field, mentoring the next generation of professionals. I am also committed to continuing my work as an author, inspiring others through books that provide hope, guidance, and faith. I have contributed to my community by sharing my expertise. I run an online business that provides unique products for healthcare professionals, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued. Additionally, I offer spiritual encouragement through my books, which focus on healing, personal growth, and faith, helping those who may be struggling. One of my most challenging experiences was launching a business that initially didn’t succeed. Despite my best efforts, the venture struggled due to a lack of proper planning and market research. At first, I felt discouraged, but instead of giving up, I took the opportunity to learn. I sought advice and relaunched with a stronger foundation. This experience taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability, and perseverance. Most importantly, it reinforced the value of seeing failure as a stepping stone to success. My greatest strengths are resilience, creativity, and compassion. I have the ability to adapt and push forward despite challenges, which has been key in both my personal and professional growth. My creativity allows me to approach problems with fresh ideas, whether in writing or in finding innovative solutions in healthcare. Above all, my compassion drives me to serve others, be it through encouraging words, mentoring, or working diligently to ensure quality in patient care.
    Audra Dominguez "Be Brave" Scholarship
    Adversity is an inevitable part of life, and when it comes to pursuing ambitious career goals, the road is rarely smooth. For me, the dream of becoming a medical lab scientist has always been clear, but the journey has required resilience, adaptability, and faith to navigate the challenges along the way. Whether facing physical obstacles or mental struggles, I have learned that success is less about the absence of hardship and more about the mindset and steps taken to keep moving forward. One of the most significant adversities I’ve faced was balancing my education and personal responsibilities. Life often presented unexpected challenges that threatened to derail my academic progress and career ambitions. During particularly stressful periods, it felt overwhelming to manage coursework, family obligations, and financial pressures all at once. Rather than succumb to these pressures, I focused on developing a structured plan and leaning on available resources. I created a detailed schedule, broke my goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and sought academic support when needed. Staying organized and asking for help were crucial steps in staying on course. Mental health has also been a key area where I’ve had to build resilience. Pursuing a career in the medical field is mentally demanding, and there were moments when self-doubt crept in. I questioned whether I was truly capable of achieving my aspirations. In those moments, I turned to a combination of faith, self-reflection, and personal development. Prayer helped me stay grounded, while reading books on personal growth and resilience reminded me that adversity is temporary and growth is always possible. Surrounding myself with a supportive community gave me the encouragement I needed to keep pushing forward. One practical step that helped me build confidence and regain focus was staying engaged in my field. I sought out volunteer opportunities and internships in healthcare settings, which not only reinforced my passion for medical science but also gave me hands-on experience. These opportunities allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, solidifying my skills and reminding me why I started this journey in the first place. Another strategy I’ve adopted when facing adversity is maintaining a growth mindset. Rather than viewing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, I began to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Each setback became a chance to develop new skills or strengthen my character. For example, when a particular class proved difficult, I didn’t give up. Instead, I reviewed my study habits, sought tutoring, and adjusted my approach until I succeeded. Most importantly, my faith has been the foundation that keeps me moving forward. Trusting in God’s plan and relying on His strength in times of weakness has provided me with a sense of peace and purpose. Knowing that I am never alone in my struggles has given me the courage to persevere. In the face of adversity, I have learned that success is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them with determination and faith. Each step, whether it’s seeking support, staying focused on my purpose, or trusting in God, has brought me closer to achieving my dream of becoming a medical lab scientist.
    Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship
    My name is Bettina Gatling, and I am a passionate and driven individual with a strong desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. With a background in science and a deep appreciation for the vital role laboratory professionals play in patient care, I am currently pursuing my goal of becoming a medical laboratory scientist. The opportunity to receive this scholarship would not only help alleviate the financial burden of my education but also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of contributing to the healthcare industry in a significant way. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the sciences, particularly the intricate processes that keep the human body functioning. This curiosity led me to explore the world of medical laboratory science, where I discovered my passion for analyzing biological specimens, detecting diseases, and ensuring accurate diagnostic results. The work of medical laboratory professionals is often behind the scenes, yet it is indispensable to the medical field. Without precise lab results, doctors cannot make informed decisions, and patients may not receive the appropriate treatments. Understanding the crucial role that laboratory scientists play in saving lives has solidified my determination to enter this field. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial strain. Education in the medical sciences can be expensive, and while I am fully committed to putting in the hard work required, financial assistance would allow me to dedicate more time to my coursework, laboratory training, and professional development. Additionally, this scholarship would provide me with the opportunity to attend conferences, engage in research, and gain hands-on experience that would further enhance my skills as a future medical laboratory scientist. My ideal career is one where I can combine my passion for science with my desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. As a medical laboratory scientist, I hope to work in a hospital or clinical laboratory, where I can contribute to accurate disease diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes. The ability to analyze samples, detect infections, and identify potential health risks is a responsibility I take seriously, and I am eager to play my part in ensuring high-quality healthcare for all patients. Ultimately, my goal is to be more than just a medical laboratory scientist—I want to be a change-maker in the field of healthcare. By ensuring accurate and timely diagnostics, advocating for the profession, and working towards greater accessibility in healthcare services, I believe I can make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Receiving this scholarship would be an incredible honor and an essential stepping stone in my journey to achieving these goals. It would allow me to further my education, gain the necessary skills and experience, and pursue a career that aligns with my passion for science and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. With this support, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful difference in both the medical laboratory profession and the broader healthcare system. Thank you for considering my application. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my aspirations and demonstrate how this scholarship would help me fulfill my dreams of becoming a medical laboratory scientist and making a positive impact on the world.
    Bettina Gatling Student Profile | Bold.org