Cynthia C., BSN 鈥�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.

鈥淐ancer gave me a second chance at life,鈥� Cynthia reflected. 鈥淣ow, I understand my purpose. If I wasn鈥檛 sure before, I am now.鈥�

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.

鈥淎fter going through chemo and meeting other patients, I told my mom I wanted to work in oncology,鈥� she shared. 鈥淢y goal was to pay it forward.鈥�

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

鈥淗e kept telling me I would make a great nurse,鈥� she recalled. 鈥溾�橸ou empathize with the patients,鈥� he said. 鈥榊ou genuinely care.鈥欌��

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

鈥淗aving gone through cancer myself, I can truly empathize with all of them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly fulfilling.鈥�

Cynthia enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at 国产主播鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 have a single day off,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very day was either work, school, or clinical, and I still had to go home and be a mom.鈥�

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

鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for the experience and proud to be a part of West Coast,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he staff and students I met still stay in touch. It鈥檚 like a family.鈥�

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.

鈥淐ancer isn鈥檛 something you can cover with a bandage. Many people don鈥檛 know where to turn,鈥� Cynthia said.

Cynthia鈥檚 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.

鈥淚 see myself in them,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e 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鈥檙e not alone.鈥�

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.