Alumni Archives | ��

WCU Alum Finds Confidence and Meaning in Nursing Career While Following in Mother’s Footsteps

�� — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Bea M. always felt in her heart that her life purpose was to help people. However, initially, she stayed away from nursing, wanting to forge her own path. As a child, she observed her mother and aunts working as nurses after arriving in the U.S. from the Philippines. Bea went on to try acting, dancing, music, sports, and social work before realizing nursing was her true calling. In March 2024, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ��’s Los Angeles campus.

Growing up in the suburbs of the Bay Area, Bea recalled the pressure to succeed. “As children of immigrants, there was a lot of competition with one another,” she said. “I was bullied a lot as a kid. I didn’t pick up things as fast as the others. I thought maybe I wasn’t smart enough to be a nurse.”

After working in social work, Bea determined it was not the career for her. She decided to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea. “I did some searching within myself,” she said. “With these new experiences and meeting people from all over the world, I gained a new perspective that I should give nursing a try.”

After returning, she began a vocational nursing program just as the world entered the pandemic. Afterward, Bea recognized that nursing had been her path all along. “That was the first time in my entire life that I finished something with academic honors, and I realized that maybe I was actually good at this,” she said. “I made it this far — I might as well continue.”

While working at an acute psych clinic, Bea applied to the LVN to BSN program at WCU. “I moved out here with just luggage and couch surfed until I finally got an apartment and job that I could balance with my schoolwork.”

Throughout the program, Bea said she faced imposter syndrome. “Because of my past being bullied, I struggled a lot with my mental health,” she shared. “But as soon as I started nursing, I felt like this was the way I could make a difference.”

Bea quickly bonded with her fellow classmates and faculty. She particularly appreciated her time with Professor Jennifer Uebe. “We still keep in touch to this day. She inspired me to be more confident in my clinical decision-making and to stand up for myself,” Bea said. “She always treated her classes as a team sport. I was used to doing things on my own, but knowing there is a team behind you helps so much.”

Today, Bea works as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at a Southern California hospital. She described being proud she has made it this far, noting that her mother worked in the same unit and specialty. During harder moments, Bea has been able to lean on her mom through their shared experience. “The first time I ever lost a patient, I remember going to my car and crying, and my first thought was to call my mom,” Bea said. “My mom told me, ‘Did you do everything you could? Did you give it your all?’ I said yes, and she said, ‘Then that is enough.’ It gave me a sense of peace. Especially in this career and unit, that is it. We do our best. We give it our all. At the end of the day, that is all we can do.”

Bea is proud of her status as a WCU alumni. “I’ve met a lot of coworkers and whatnot who were also WCU nurses or alumni, and they’ve always been the best people to work with in my experience,” Bea said. “To be one of them and to hopefully carry on that same care is to embody the pride and reputation I’ve been given.”

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WCU-Texas Graduate Ready to Take Next Step After Completing Master of Physician Assistant Program

�� — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:00:33 +0000

After graduating from the rigorous two-year Master of Physician Assistant program at ��-Texas, Anthony I. walked across the stage on commencement day with a well-earned sense of accomplishment.

Now, he is setting his sights on the next step: Passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

“Right now, my main focus is on passing the PANCE,” he said. “But I’ve been looking at the job market, too. I’m just excited to put all the skills and knowledge I’ve gained into action.”

Anthony, who earned his undergraduate degree in 2020 from Texas Tech, described his excitement about WCU’s program and his reasons for pursuing the PA route.

“I always knew I wanted to be in medicine, either as a doctor or a PA,” he said. “But my personality is that I get bored easily, so I wanted flexibility. As a PA, you can switch specialties whenever you desire — that really sold me on the profession.”

Reflecting on his time at WCU-Texas, Anthony emphasized the value of the relationships built during the demanding program.

“Besides gaining the clinical skills to care for patients, the best part was the bonds you create,” he shared. “You lean on your classmates, family, and support systems, especially during those ups and downs. The victory today is just as big for them as it is for me.”

The journey was not without its challenges. For Anthony, the hardest part was balancing work, studies, and life during clinical rotations.

“You go to work, come home, sleep, and repeat the cycle,” he explained. “At the same time, you’re constantly studying for exams every few weeks. It’s about pushing through burnout and remembering the end goal.”

Anthony expressed gratitude for WCU-Texas, noting how the program exceeded his expectations.

“At first, I was hesitant because it’s a newer program, but I never felt like just a number here. The faculty and staff were proactive and supportive, always meeting us halfway to find solutions,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2025, Anthony is eager to begin his career in healthcare and make a difference in patients’ lives.

“That’s why we go through all of this,” he said. “I’m ready to put it all to use.”

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WCU-Ontario BSN Cohort Speaker Shares Inspiring ‘Why’ Behind Nursing

�� — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0000

At ��’s January 2025 nursing pinning, student speaker Valerie A. took the stage with a message that resonated deeply with her fellow graduates: Remember your why.

Reflecting on the challenges they faced — rigorous exams, sleepless nights, and the weight of clinical responsibilities — Valerie acknowledged the perseverance that brought each student to this moment. But beyond academic struggles, she urged her peers to look inward and recall the deeper reason they chose this path in the first place.

For Valerie, that moment of clarity came in January 2019 when she stepped into an overcrowded emergency room for the first time.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, where she performed CPR on 839 patients. What she saw — the patients sitting on floors with oxygen tanks, isolation tents overflowing, and nurses crying in supply rooms on their nonexistent breaks — left an indelible mark. These experiences, she said, put life’s everyday anxieties into perspective and ignited a calling that would change the trajectory of her life.

“I walked into that ER as a blank slate, unsure of how this experience was going to change me, but within a few months, I found myself applying to �� on a path that would change the trajectory of my life forever,” she said.

Now, as she and her classmates step into the next phase of their careers, Valerie acknowledged that new challenges await. Nursing is more than a job — it is a profound responsibility. They will witness both the fragility of life and the joy of bringing new life into the world.

“We’re going to experience a new form of anxiety that will challenge our innermost tenacity. You may have the unimaginable duty to hold somebody’s hand in their final moments. You may also witness the joy of bringing a new life into the world, but ultimately, you will share in the raw vulnerability that patients experience when they walk into those acute care settings,” Valerie said. “I want you all to remember we’ve been chosen for this honor, and I want you all to remember your ‘why.’ We’re about to have a profound impact on the people around us, and it is our insatiable appetite to help others that have shaped us into the nurses who sit here today.”

Valerie closed her address with gratitude — thanking her family, professors, and fellow students for their support throughout the journey. And as she looked ahead to the future, she left her peers with a powerful reminder:

“We all had a dream stepping through the doors of ��. Now, we’ve achieved the ultimate accomplishment. Congratulations, January 2025 cohort — I can’t wait to see you all in the clinical setting.”

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WCU’s Online MBA Program Helped Graduate Balance Motherhood and Education

�� — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:00:49 +0000

For Afreen J., earning her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in project management from ��’s online program was more than just an academic milestone — it was a triumph of resilience, family support, and determination.

“Today is a big day for me,” Afreen shared before her commencement ceremony began. “For every girl, it’s a big achievement because being a mother, a daughter, and a wife, this is a celebration and a big opportunity.”

Afreen’s journey to graduation wasn’t easy. Shortly after beginning her online MBA, she welcomed her newborn baby, navigating both coursework and the demands of being a new mother. Reflecting on that time, she said, “It was one of the hardest parts because I was going through postpartum. I had to take care of my baby, my studies, and everything. But my husband encouraged me, motivated me, and told me, ‘You can do it.’”

Online education was the lifeline Afreen needed to balance her responsibilities. Having moved to the United States just a year prior, she was initially unsure how to continue her education. Throughout her program, Afreen credits ��’s professors for their unwavering support.

“The entire team was so good,” she said. “Since it was an online program, they were always available to encourage me, answer my calls, and respond to my emails.”

Now an MBA graduate, Afreen has big plans for the future. She aims to work in project management and contribute her skills across different fields.

“We should always be positive and grateful for the opportunities we have,” she said. “Not everyone gets this chance.”

Afreen’s gratitude extends to her husband, whose unwavering belief in her abilities kept her going. “Every successful man has a woman behind him,” she smiled. “And behind every successful woman, there is a man.”

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WCU Alumni Caps of Memorable Year with Fifth Annual Alumni Awards in Los Angeles

�� — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:53:15 +0000

It was a night to remember at the fifth annual �� Alumni Awards held on February 7 at in Glendale, California. Hosted by the Alumni Association, the evening began with a warm welcome reception, providing alumni, faculty, and staff the opportunity to reconnect.

The awards ceremony, led by WCU Alumni Relations Director Chini Carmargo, MHA ’21, honored recipients across 11 categories and celebrated the remarkable dedication of our alumni and WCU/ACC community.

“This past year has been extraordinary for the WCU Alumni Association. Our alumni have continued to exceed their commitments to the university and our community years after graduation. This is our time to honor them,” Carmargo said.

In addition to their awards, recipients were honored with a green cord for alumni or a silver cord for staff, which they wore throughout the evening for recognition. The celebration continued, featuring delicious Mediterranean cuisine, , exciting photo opportunities, and complimentary caricature drawings from a local artist.

“This is absolutely amazing, being able to connect with my community here at West Coast,” said 2025 WCU Proud Award winner Celeste J. “I love being a West Coast alumnus, and every time I meet with the students who are about to become nurses, I always welcome them into the alumni family.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the fifth annual Alumni Awards ceremony a success. We look forward to seeing you at future events as we continue celebrating the achievements and connections within our alumni family.

See awards recipients below:

Young Alumni Award recognizes alumni within five years of graduation, who have shown career growth and have made contributions to the community and/or the University
Recipients: Patricia B., OTD ’22 and Elizabeth W., BSN ’21, VN ’18

Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have shown outstanding career achievement and significant contributions to the community and/or the University
Recipients: Justin C., DNP (c), BSN ’20; Meg B., PMFNPC ’21 and David O., PMPMHNP (c), DNP ’23, MBA ’21, MPH ’19, BSN ’18

WCU Proud Award recognizes alumni volunteers who support the Alumni Association’s principles of connecting, giving back, and celebrating WCU pride through extraordinary service to WCU
Recipients: Daniel C., BSN ’15; Yelda D., BSN ’24, VN ’18, DMA ’99; Mercedes G., MBA ’22; Melanie G., MSN (c), BSN ’20; Celeste J., MPH ’23; Jimmy N., MSN ’24, BSN ’21; Devon W., BSN ’22, VN ’18; and Kaley W., BSN ’23

Outstanding Alumni Faculty Award recognizes faculty members for extraordinary contributions to students as an alumnus of WCU
Recipients: Ashley S., BSN ’18; Valerie C., OTD ’20; Amanda W., MSN ’21, BSN ’18; Diane R., PMPMHNP ’22, ADN ’09; Kristen M., MSN ’21, BSN ’18; Lauren D., MSOT ’15; and Keiko M., BSN ’15

Community Service and Impact Award acknowledges the exceptional dedication of alumni who actively contribute to their communities
Recipient: Jennifer P., MSN ’24, BSN ’21 and Roberta S., MPH ’20

Healthcare Influencer Award recognizes a WCU Alumni who advocates for the healthcare industry through the utilization of their social media platforms.
Recipient: Nune S., DNP ’21, MSN ’19, BSN ’16

Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award is presented to alumni who have shown remarkable accomplishments within entrepreneurship.
Recipient: Adam B., BSN ’18

Outstanding Faculty and Associate Award recognizes faculty and staff members who were influential in supporting your education and career goals.
Recipient: Michele M., WCU Online Programs Public Health dean/program director

Outstanding Department Award recognizes the WCU department that has supported the Alumni Network through various initiatives and collaborated extensively in support of the mission of the University.
Recipient: Student Affairs, Accounts Payable and Finance

Outstanding Supporter Award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond their duties to assist the team in a wide variety of initiatives and programming.
Recipient: Seram L., WCU-Orange County Student Affairs director

People’s Choice Award celebrates outstanding feedback on department customer service and support based on our alumni survey results ranking across campuses.
Recipient: WCU Faculty and ��

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Moving From California to Texas Opened New Opportunities for WCU BSN Graduate

�� — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Courtney W., a move from California to Texas wasn’t just a change in scenery — it was a turning point for her career and future. Originally from Compton, California, Wilson decided to take a bold leap to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at ��-Texas.

“I gave up everything in California and came to Texas with my daughter,” Wilson said. The sacrifice quickly paid off: she not only completed the program but also secured a position at a Dallas hospital in its residency program, working in the transplant unit.

Already a licensed vocational nurse for over a decade, Wilson was driven to earn the registered nurse title to unlock better career prospects.

“I was making good money in California, but I didn’t have that RN title,” she explained. “More and more jobs are asking for RNs now.”

Texas offered Wilson more than just an education — it provided opportunity and affordability. “When I applied, I had a spot in a program, I had a job, I found an apartment — everything just worked out perfectly,” she shared.

Though the transition wasn’t without challenges, such as adjusting to RN-level test-taking and maintaining her focus, Wilson found unwavering support at ��.

“The teachers were right there, ready to help me,” she said, emphasizing the value of campus resources and mentorship.

Now, as a BSN graduate and registered nurse, Wilson is focused on gaining experience in Dallas. She also has entrepreneurial ambitions and wants to open a Board and Care home in the future.

“No matter how hard it is, it’s possible. Don’t limit yourself,” she advised. “You can do it.”

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From Nursing to Public Health: How One Student Found Her True Calling in Medicine

�� — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:00:09 +0000

Maryam S. had always dreamed of becoming a physician. Like many aspiring doctors, she was motivated by the desire to help others, heal patients, and make a meaningful impact. But after high school, she realized she lacked a true understanding of what working in a high-stress hospital environment would entail.

Unsure of what it would be like to interact with patients, handle emergencies, or collaborate with healthcare teams, Maryam decided to gain firsthand experience by enrolling in ��’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This decision would not only give her the clarity she sought but also shape her career path in profound and unexpected ways.

“I thought nursing would be a good starting point to see if I could handle the medical field, especially the high-stress situations,” Maryam recalled.

Maryam’s time at WCU didn’t just prepare her for the technical side of medicine – it instilled in her the importance of empathy, responsibility, and transparency.

From hands-on experiences in the simulation lab to learning physical assessments, WCU gave her a solid foundation for medical school.

She recalled the confidence she gained through her training, “When I started my simulation lab in medical school, I felt so prepared. I already knew how to read an EKG, listen to heart sounds, and even interact with the manakins. Many of my peers were struggling, but thanks to WCU, I had the skills and the confidence.”

But perhaps the most impactful lesson she learned was the importance of prevention.

“I fell in love with public health during my term at West Coast,” she said. “I realized that preventing diseases from happening in the first place is far more effective than treating them. If we can educate people, empower them to take control of their health and provide them with the tools to prevent illness, we can create better health outcomes for everyone.”

This realization led Maryam to pursue public health initiatives beyond nursing. She is currently working with Dr. Michelle Metope, the Dean of Public Health at WCU, to publish research on health disparities in her community.

“Public health is about more than just treating individuals – it’s about addressing the root causes of disease and making a lasting impact on entire populations.”

Looking to the future, Maryam has her sights set on cardiology, but her primary goal is to give back to her community in Pakistan by opening clinics focused on screenings and preventative care.

She dreams of working alongside other physicians to volunteer her time and skills, offering life-saving treatments to those who can’t afford them.

“There’s a huge need for healthcare in underserved areas, and I want to help bridge that gap.”

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WCU Graduate Ready to Channel Online Public Health Education into Global Health Impact

�� — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:00:23 +0000

After 18 years as a dental assistant, Chanel A. was ready for a change. She wanted to make a bigger difference, combining her passion for healthcare with a desire to impact communities on a broader scale. In 2020, just as the world was grappling with the pandemic, Chanel found herself drawn to ��’s Public Health program. Originally starting in nursing, she quickly discovered her passion lay in public health, especially with a focus on epidemiology.

When asked what drew her to ��, Chanel highlighted the ease of the application process and the supportive environment. She felt encouraged to pursue her goals, knowing that the faculty and network of support at WCU were there for her.

“At ��, you learn resilience,” she said

Chanel explained that the fast-paced nature of the program taught her to learn from challenges, build strong study habits, and develop the time management skills essential for success.

Despite the inherent challenges of an online program, Chanel never felt alone. She connected with faculty who were always just a message or Zoom call away, ready to provide guidance and support. She joined the African-American Association, which helped her connect with her community and solidify her aspirations in global health.

Graduation day was a moment of pride for Chanel. Supported by her family and even an ex-partner who came to cheer her on, she stood on the cusp of a new chapter, excited and hopeful. Next spring, she’ll begin her master’s degree in Global Health at Cal State San Marcos, a step closer to fulfilling her dream of working in underserved communities around the world.

For those considering �� or an online program, Chanel’s advice is simple: “Make sure you have a strong support system and understand that it will take sacrifices. You might not see your friends as often, but in the end, it’s worth it.”

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From Survivor to Advocate: How One Alumna Found Her Calling in Oncology

�� — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Cynthia C., BSN ’24, never expected her life to look like it does today. After being diagnosed with stage III cancer, everything shifted in an instant. Yet, this challenging experience became the catalyst for a new, purposeful journey.

“Cancer gave me a second chance at life,” Cynthia reflected. “Now, I understand my purpose. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now.”

During her chemotherapy treatment, Cynthia was supported by a nurse-patient navigator who played a vital role in her recovery. At the time, Cynthia was also pregnant with her sixth child, a situation that deepened her appreciation for the healthcare professionals around her.

“After going through chemo and meeting other patients, I told my mom I wanted to work in oncology,” she shared. “My goal was to pay it forward.”

Cynthia started working in an administrative role in a hospital’s oncology unit, where an oncologist saw potential in her and encouraged her to pursue nursing.

“He kept telling me I would make a great nurse,” she recalled. “’You empathize with the patients,’ he said. ‘You genuinely care.’”

Her determination to help cancer patients soon became her life’s mission. Despite having no prior healthcare experience, Cynthia found the work to be instinctive.

“Having gone through cancer myself, I can truly empathize with all of them,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Cynthia enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ��’s Los Angeles campus, graduating with cum laude honors this past July. Balancing full-time work, her studies, and raising six children as a single mother was no small feat.

“I didn’t have a single day off,” she said. “Every day was either work, school, or clinical, and I still had to go home and be a mom.”

Despite the challenges, Cynthia is grateful for her experience at WCU and the supportive community of students and faculty.

“I’m so thankful for the experience and proud to be a part of West Coast,” she said. “The staff and students I met still stay in touch. It’s like a family.”

Armed with her BSN degree, Cynthia is more committed than ever to helping others navigate their cancer diagnoses. Having lost her aunt to cancer as a teenager, she understands the pain and uncertainty that comes with the disease.

Today, she has become a trusted resource in her community, offering support, advocacy, and encouragement to anyone who reaches out.

“Cancer isn’t something you can cover with a bandage. Many people don’t know where to turn,” Cynthia said.

Cynthia’s goal is to become a nurse practitioner and continue her work in oncology. The relationships she forms with her patients give her work profound meaning.

“I see myself in them,” she said. “We’re all afraid of the unknown, but having someone to hold your hand and guide you makes it a little easier. It lets them know they’re not alone.”

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From Mental Health Technician to MSOT Alumni at ��

�� — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Carlos C., a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduate at ��, prepares to take his next steps in healthcare. From working as a mental health technician to pursuing his passion for occupational therapy, Carlos has spent years honing his skills and deepening his commitment to serving others. Now in his final trimester of didactic coursework, he’s ready to translate his classroom experience into meaningful, real-world impact.

“Occupational therapy has always been a lifelong mission for me,” he said. Originally from Pomona, California, Carlos is currently in his fourth and final trimester of didactic coursework. His next step? Fieldwork rotations, where he plans to bring his classroom and life experiences to life.

Carlos’ path to �� wasn’t a straight line. Before enrolling, he worked as a mental health technician at a psychiatric hospital in Glendora, where he supported patients with psychiatric disorders in their daily activities. This experience highlighted gaps in care that he believes occupational therapy can bridge. “Seeing those gaps made me want to apply to graduate school,” he said.

His motivation to serve others stems from his upbringing. “My mom was a caregiver, and growing up around my grandparents really shaped my desire to help,” Carlos explained. His passion for occupational therapy was solidified when he recognized OT’s potential to support physical and mental health needs.

Carlos emphasized his commitment to inpatient care. “I want to work in inpatient facilities where I can see people at their worst and help them get better,” he said. In the long term, he aims to start a home health company to continue providing holistic care.

Carlos chose �� over other institutions because of its focus on diversity and inclusivity. “The small class sizes and the personal relationships with professors make all the difference,” he noted. “They bring their real-world experience into the classroom, and that’s invaluable.”

For future students, Carlos offers this advice: “Remain open-minded. You’re a lifelong learner. Every bit of feedback helps you grow.” He also shared a mantra that has guided him through his journey: “What you reveal, you heal.”

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