OFTC’s Mallory Hodges Builds Confidence, One Image at a Time

After graduating from high school, Mallory Hodges knew she wanted a meaningful career, but like many recent high school graduates, determining the right path forward was not easy. 

She knew she wanted to help people and pursue a career that allowed her to be hands-on rather than sitting behind a desk or working at a computer. 

After hearing positive feedback about the hands-on programs at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC), Hodges decided to explore her options. 

“I started looking into radiologic technology,” Hodges said. “This career path would allow me to help people during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. It was hands-on and a field that’s always evolving.” 

As a compassionate, detail-oriented individual driven to serve others, radiologic technology proved to be a natural fit. 

“Once I discovered this field, it felt right for who I am and what I want my future to look like,” she said. “It allows me to combine my interests in healthcare with lifelong learning.” 

“It was everything I was looking for,” she added. 

OFTC’s Program 

After being accepted into OFTC’s four-semester Radiologic Technology program, Hodges struggled with self-doubt. 

“I didn’t feel brave, strong or ready,” she said. “I was scared I wasn’t smart enough for the program and that I would end up failing.” 

That uncertainty did not last long. 

“What I didn’t know then was that OFTC wasn’t just a college, but a community built on the power of technical education,” Hodges said. “OFTC isn’t just a place where you learn from books, but from experience.” 

She said the college’s real-world training, smaller class sizes and supportive instructors made a lasting difference. 

“It’s a place where students are truly invested in and prepared for success,” she said. 

Compared to the college she attended through high school dual enrollment, Hodges said OFTC felt more personal. 

“The instructors know you by name and genuinely want to see you succeed,” she added. 

Confidence for the Career Ahead 

Now in her final semester, Hodges can clearly see how much she has grown since beginning the program. 

“OFTC has shown me that I am capable of more than I could have ever imagined,” she said. “The anxious student who once questioned her place now walks into each clinic day with purpose and confidence.” 

As her confidence has grown, so have her goals. 

“I don’t just want to graduate — I want to excel,” Hodges said. “I want to continue building my skills, explore opportunities for advancement in Computed Tomography and Mammography, and maybe one day help teach students who are just like me.” 

While Hodges credits her own determination for much of her success, she says the encouragement of her instructors played a critical role. 

“Mrs. Bray and Ms. Smith have made an important impact on my life and in who I’m becoming as a future healthcare professional,” she said. “Their guidance and belief in me helped me push past my doubts.” 

Reflecting on her experience, Hodges said OFTC prepared her for far more than a career. 

“My time at OFTC didn’t just prepare me for a job — it prepared me for life,” she said. “Confidence isn’t something you find overnight. It’s something you build, one step, one patient, and one X-ray at a time. And to anyone starting out feeling scared or uncertain — keep going.” 

For more info about OFTC’s Radiologic Technology program, visit OFTC.edu. 

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