A volunteer from Stockton is preparing to take her first steps into her dream career – after being inspired by her father and his love for the job.
Zephora Cabaluna, 21, has been volunteering at the University Hospital of North Tees since January 2025 and has now successfully secured a role as a radiography assistant at The James Cook University Hospital.
Her father is a qualified radiographer and his passion for the profession left a lasting impression on her. Determined to follow in his footsteps, she reached out to the volunteering team at North Tees and shared her interest in radiography.
The team worked to place her within the radiology department, where she would be able to gain some hands-on experience.
Zephora said: “I had seen first hand how rewarding my dad finds a career in healthcare and it has been inspiring. I found I also wanted to be able to help people.
“Volunteering was a great way to get my foot in the door and to get an idea of what the role would entail before going down a more formal training route. The volunteering team were so helpful in being able to get me placed within the radiology department.”
During her time volunteering, Zephora assisted radiology staff by preparing rooms for appointments, ensuring there was a safe working environment for patients and staff and assisted wherever she could.
Her goal was to learn more about the realities of working in a radiology department, especially how staff manage under pressure and deliver care with compassion.
After seeing and successfully applying for a radiography assistant role, Zephora recognises the experience from volunteering helped her to make her first steps into the career.
She said: “Everyone within radiology at North Tees has been amazing – I’m so grateful for their guidance and support.
“Volunteering has truly changed my life and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of the team – it has helped make my path clear!”
Zephora hopes to progress in her new role and learn as she goes and hopes to gain deeper insight into the profession, and eventually pursue an apprenticeship or university degree – ideally at Teesside University.
She added: “I want to help people and be like my dad – to make a difference and have a career that is meaningful and rewarding. I’m excited to start this new chapter and continue learning as I go.”
She is currently awaiting her start date at James Cook and is looking forward to building a career in a field she’s passionate about.
Volunteer with us
To find out more about volunteering at Stockton or Hartlepool contact us on:
Tel: 01642 383933
Email: [email protected]
To find out about volunteering in our Northallerton or Middlesbrough hospitals contact us on:
Tel: 01642 835863
Email: [email protected]