On: Recognizing My Worth in Real Time

And how I'm growing daily from it.

AI-Generated Image: A Black Woman with locs running down a dark alley leading to light at the end of the path.

Curveballs were thrown, and I caught them.

I was supposed to begin Mammography Tech Assistant training the week before last, and again this past week; however, a few potholes sprang up in our midst. When you work at an imaging facility that is also fast-paced, with many out-of-the-ordinary occurrences taking place, you end up playing a lot of things by ear—feeling out the day and filling in wherever you’re needed.

And that is what I had to do. It is also what I am willing to do. My coworker, who works in Medical Records, called out sick one day, so I had to fulfill medical record duties as well as call and confirm scheduled MRI and CT appointments. I was also needed in the MRI department to act as a Tech Assistant for a few hours, two days this past week. Additionally, one of the Front Desk Coordinators had to leave due to illness—I covered her absence.

It has been a topsy-turvy eight days, and I truly needed this weekend as my period of rest.

The previous Center Manager visited the site on Wednesday, August 06, 2025, and was happy to see me back in action. It was lovely to lay eyes on her and snatch up a hug as well. The smile on her face as she locked eyes with mine renewed my spirit. She hasn’t aged at all. Retirement looks good on her. I had been overcome with elation—basking in her presence once again. To hear her say, “I’m so happy to see you here. You’re home, and I know you’re getting things done.” She’s not wrong…

a return home—my once
most coveted place
washes over me with
comfort and the stillness
of monthly full moons.
I am anchored in a calling
I did not think I would
ever answer.

The current Center Manager requested my opinion about a sensitive topic that needed to be addressed. Let’s just air this out openly and honestly. She is White. Of course, I am Black. The team member she wanted to speak with me about is also Black. The topic? Wearing a bonnet to work. *Sighs*

I hope I do not have to explain that bonnets of any kind are not a part of our work uniform—not at all. It is outlined and highlighted in the dress code section of our company operations manual what is and isn’t appropriate attire for imaging facilities, and trust me—the dress code is verbally beaten into your head during orientation and again during online testing and safety review sessions. We are not in the OR or the ER, and professionalism in every facet of its definition is expected.

When we want to bend the guidelines, there are always consequences.

The first time I saw this coworker wearing a bonnet, I instantly thought, “Oh, hmm. She must have a reason to wear it. It must have been approved by HR.” And I went on my merry way. Lo and behold, it had not been approved. A couple of MRI Techs who are also Black (she works closely with them regularly—she’s an MRI Tech Assistant) mentioned to her (looking out for her) that she would need to remove it as it is not a part of the dress code. She stopped wearing it for a while, and then began again.

Thus, the reason for the Center Manager asking me how she should address the situation.

I know the look on my face when she asked me gave off “Honey, why are you asking me what to do?! You’re the Center Manager.” And reading my face, she said, “I know you’ve gotta be wondering why I brought this to you. Well, cuz I know you’ll tell me to either stay in my lane or address it, because now I have team members looking to me to make sure it’s addressed and done so for the last time.” I laughed because she is right—I’ve often told her to steer clear of or stay out of a situation if it did not directly affect her, the operation of the company, or the employees regarding People of Color. Adults will work out their issues… eventually.

But this is a bonnet… at work… during work hours—not within our dress code. Why?!

I said to her—paraphased and recollected to the best of my ability: “I have no qualms with bonnets. I have a collection of my own. I am good with a person wearing them while they’re out running morning errands, for a relaxing walk in their community or public parks, at their favorite grocery and department stores, but this is work. There’s a time and a place for everything. A bonnet at work is where I’d draw the line.”

AI-Generated Image: A Black woman wearing a bonnet while walking around a medical facility.

This particular coworker has been the topic of choice with other team members as I’ve eavesdropped or butted in with, “Has anyone said anything to her directly?” Or “Is she not aware of the dress code?” Or “Surely, a member of management has said something if something needs to be said.” And I said these things as prompts for them to mind their business because doing so is free. People who bend the rules, break them, or try to rewrite the guidelines will reap what they sow.

The Center Manager did a lot of fretting for no reason because she ended up having to let her go for a different reason. In one day, this MRI Tech Assistant failed three safety protocols that could have directly affected or severely hurt three different patients. That is not tolerated. It is an immediate termination—do not pass go, do not stop for any reason, get on up out of here quick, fast, and in a hurry.

She had failed to allow every safety measure, online test, and pertinent explanation during training to sink in. In one day, she managed to rack up three separate reasons that needed to be logged, reported, and will now be used as examples of WHAT NOT to do in our work environment.

I have always said in certain
situations, minding one’s own
business will save you from
pain and anguish—coat you
in a balm of protection—keeping
you out of harm’s way.
everything finds its
landing place.

Being at the right place—at the right time.

I have already prepared myself for the change in my schedule. Now that the MRI Techs will be short on Tech Assistants, I am sure I will be added to the TA schedule to cover any holes or gaps. I was just beginning to feel more confident in this role. I had not expected to be tossed deeper into it—God’s got a weird sense of humor.

My first 8-hour shift as an MRI Tech Assistant was this past Friday, August 08, 2025, and according to the MRI Tech, I did “a great job! You don’t have anything to worry about, Tre.” I do not take these statements lightly. The purpose of a Technologist Assistant is to assist the MRI Tech. I now have a better understanding of how much they have to accomplish during a shift and how safety and following all rules are key factors in their professional success.

If you have not seen the video or heard about the man who was sucked into an MRI machine by his heavy, metallic chain and was later pronounced dead, and you have an interest in learning more about these machines and their power, I urge you to read this article or do your research.

I do not take delight in anyone being terminated from their place of employment. It is not something I celebrate. However, certain circumstances are the effects of their own devised causes.

These last two workweeks have felt like trials in the very depths of tribulations for me to pray through—get through—and grow through.

everything doesn’t require a
response—everyone doesn’t
need your two cents.
time will show you what
you need to see, and patience
equips you with the tools you
need to build yourself up as a
tower of strength when you
want to believe you’re weak.

I am recognizing my worth in real time, and I am growing daily from it.