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�

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Growing up in a family rooted in the medical field, Shelby L. has always been passionate about helping others 鈥� and she may not have had a choice in the matter. Shelby’s career path seemed almost preordained, with a doctor for a father and a dietician for a mother 鈥� who met for the first time in a hospital.聽

鈥淚’ve always had a passion for helping people,” Shelby said. 鈥淚 always enjoyed caring for people. I enjoyed science, so I thought that nursing was a great career for me.鈥� 

However, the road to becoming a nurse wasn’t easy. Now a proud alum of 国产主播-Los Angeles鈥� BSN program, Shelby faced numerous challenges along the way but was driven by her desire to support those in need.聽

“Nursing school was really difficult,” she admitted. “I struggled through it, but once I finished, I was able to go and work in a hospital, help people who really needed it, and be with people through the toughest times of their lives. That is what pushed me through because I wanted to be there for people in the future.”聽

Shelby found valuable support through the PALS tutoring program at WCU-Los Angeles. Having tutors who had recently navigated the same challenges provided a unique and effective support system for students, she said. 

“I would recommend PALS tutoring for anyone struggling with any class because it’s led by someone who has just gone through this. They understand the instructors, they understand the exams, they understand the material,” she added. 

Today, Shelby finds immense satisfaction in her role as a nurse. The moments of joy and relief she witnessed in her patients made all the hard work worthwhile. 

“Nursing is very rewarding. I love being a nurse. I love helping my patients,” she said. “I love when a patient comes to me when they get their test back saying they’re in remission. That is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever felt in my life.” 

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国产主播 boasts a special connection with its alumni, with many returning to share their expertise and experiences with current students. Ashley S., an enthusiastic advocate for nursing and public health, exemplifies this bond as she steps into her role as a Public Health instructor at her alma mater. 

Reflecting on her journey back to campus, Ashley expressed her unwavering commitment to 国产主播: 

“There’s no other place I’d want to come back to teach. When Dean Joy Beckford offered me the opportunity to do adjunct work in Public Health, there was no doubt in my mind 鈥� I’m coming back.” 

Having graduated and practiced for six years before returning, Ashley now finds herself in a fulfilling position where she can give back to the institution that shaped her career. 

Transitioning from student to instructor, Ashley emphasizes the importance of the support system provided by 国产主播. 

“Moving from adjunct into an instructor role has been seamless,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey were very supportive of me advancing my degree, and now I feel ready to teach here as well.” 

Ashley’s passion for teaching extends to her dedication to student success, which is evident in her utilization of campus resources. She highlights the comprehensive ATI program, mentorship opportunities, and the invaluable support offered by the nursing academic specialists.聽

“As an instructor, I encourage students to make use of these resources, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,鈥� she said. 

In discussing her role in Public Health education, Ashley emphasizes the shift in mindset required. 

“Public Health nursing is a completely different mindset than bedside nursing. It’s about focusing on the entire well-being of the community and hopefully preventing illness before they get to requiring bedside care,鈥� Ashley added. 

With recent global events highlighting the significance of public health, Ashley aims to instill in her students a broader understanding of healthcare beyond individual patient care. 

For those considering a career in nursing or healthcare, Ashley offers simple yet powerful advice: “Just do it. Follow your dreams and pursue nursing if it’s where your heart lies.” 

As she navigates her role as an instructor and alum, Ashley finds fulfillment in giving back to the institution that provided her with endless opportunities. 

鈥淚t’s an honor to walk with students through their journey, knowing they will get through it, just like I did,鈥� she said. 

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国产主播-Los Angeles hosted an event to honor American-Armenian Heritage and History Month, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Armenian community on campus. The celebration, organized by campus director of career services Arpine Z. and supported by campus leadership, brought together students and associates in a spirit of inclusivity and appreciation.

Arpine expressed gratitude for the community’s enthusiastic participation, stating, “Efforts like these truly make a difference in fostering a sense of inclusivity and celebration within our community.” Her dedication to recognizing the campus’s large Armenian student population was evident in the event’s thoughtful planning and execution.

The event buzzed with energy as attendees immersed themselves in Armenian culture, history, and culinary delights. campus director of financial services Tracy C., reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere, noted, “Our campus is a vibrant hub of unity and celebration.” From decorative motifs to informative displays, every aspect of the event was carefully curated to provide insight into Armenian heritage.

Throughout the day, participants learned about Armenian traditions and customs, deepening their understanding and appreciation. The event served as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and honoring the contributions of all community members.

“Here’s to more moments of togetherness, celebration, and appreciation of our diverse population,” said Tracy. With events like these, WCU continues to shine as a beacon of inclusivity and cultural celebration.

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国产主播 volunteers helped needy families in Los Angeles get ready to go back to school by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies this summer.

Led by WCU-Los Angeles nursing instructor Ashley Smith, three nursing students joined L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan in helping provide 3,000 backpacks and school supplies to families as a part of their back-to-school events.

In addition to school materials, a range of education and social assistance resources from participating community-based organizations were made available to participating families.

鈥淚t was great to see our students connecting with community partners and giving back,鈥� WCU instructor Smith said. 鈥淥ur natural display of giving back is there in other ways; you don鈥檛 have to do it medically.鈥�

Smith said one of the WCU students added an element of joy and warmth to the occasion by distributing backpacks with boundless energy, making families feel valued and supported with his vibrant presence.

鈥淗e was dancing and having a great time doing it, while connecting with kids and engaging with parents,鈥� Smith said, adding she enjoyed watching the WCU students take on leadership roles during their volunteering.

Another student, Smith noted, took it upon herself to organize the shoes being donated by size, color and style.

鈥淲atching her do that and expedite that process is exactly was WCU students are known for,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淩ecognizing when there鈥檚 an issue and streamlining and using their expertise in making things better.鈥�

WCU-Los Angeles BSN student Janet T. showcased the nurturing spirit of nursing by engaging children in heartwarming storytelling sessions while handing out books.

鈥淭here was one princess book that I showed a little girl, and her eyes just got so big,鈥� Janet said. 鈥淚t felt nice to be giving back to my community in some way.鈥�

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Derreck D. always knew that he wanted to help people. He started his educational journey as a philosophy major hoping to learn more about who people are and how they think with the goal of making a difference. However, Derreck soon discovered that a nursing career would allow him to help in a more tangible way.

鈥淚 was not liking the job prospects after looking at being a philosophy major,鈥� Derreck said. 鈥淵ou can go into law or academia and neither of those seemed tangible enough for me.鈥�

Derreck realized the diverse opportunities nursing could bring to his career.

Now working in the intensive care unit, Derreck appreciates the high-intensity situations he dealt with in 国产主播鈥檚 simulation labs.

鈥淭o this day, I still feel like it was great to be thrown into some situations because again it prepared me for the rest of my career working in the ICU,鈥� Derreck said. 鈥淪taying calm and having experienced and rehearsed critical situations for me was like ‘wow.’鈥�

Derreck graduated in 2018 with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the WCU-Texas campus. From there, he said furthering his education was a natural progression, and he recently graduated with his Master of Public Affairs.

鈥淭he other parts of the nursing career that spoke to me centered around policy,” he said.

After taking courses in disaster management and public health, Derreck said his eyes were opened to the broad reach of nursing. He realized how nurses are involved in many different types of community dynamics.

鈥淲e spent a lot of time thinking about how there is a relationship between community disparities,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 started having an idea that once people reach the hospital, as a public health official, it鈥檚 already too late.鈥�

His interest in getting involved in policy on a larger scale is what Derreck said laid the foundation to return to school.

鈥淥nce I started (grad school) in Austin, I was part of an evidence-based poster project,鈥� he said.

Through their research on post-stroke depression recovery, they found good evidence for the benefits of music therapy. By playing music for stroke patients in rehab hospitals, they saw improvements in post-stroke depression.

鈥淲e gathered some data, looked at best practices, and analyzed the procedures at our own hospital. Then we presented the possibility for a change,鈥� Derreck said. 鈥淲e won that poster project and it reinforced the concept for me that policy is really powerful and made me question, “Where else can policy go?’鈥�

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Paula G. is a member of the Tule River Indian Tribe, a Yokut tribe about 30 minutes into the foothills above Porterville, California.

Growing up, access to medical care was limited to an Indian Health Services Clinic on the reservation. The clinic is a member of the California Rural Indian Health Program (CRIHP). It鈥檚 one of the reasons she wanted to be a nurse.

鈥淥ur community clinic has had a lot of turnaround. A lot of people don’t want to travel to a rural area to work,鈥� Paula said. 鈥淭he nearest trauma center for us is a little over an hour. The closest hospital is about 30 minutes away.鈥�

The reservation recently established an ambulance team and has a local fire department that assists with medical emergencies However, Paula said anytime a trauma happens, a helicopter has to fly in to transport the individual for medical attention. Even with the medical professionals that do come to work in the clinic, Paula said it can be difficult for members of the tribe to seek care.

鈥淎 lot of the medical professionals that come here to work, they’re not from the community, and it’s really hard for our members to reach out. They’re very private,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing comfortable with their doctors and nurses is really hard for them.”

Paula wanted to help bridge that gap and be the representation her tribe needed. She started off as a medical assistant at the clinic, where she worked for almost 10 years. During that time, Paula was slowly completing her prerequisites for becoming a nurse.

She started applying to schools nearby the reservation, but after two years of no luck, she took her search online and discovered 国产主播.

Committing to the BSN program was also committing to a two-and-a-half-hour commute to school for classes, but Paula said it was worth it. She was able to continue working practically full-time during the first 6 months of her program, an added bonus for the mom of two.

Part of what helped her transition was getting a mentor through 国产主播.

鈥淲hen I first started there, I was so new because I live in a small town and going to Los Angeles, it was scary. I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t know what the heck I was getting myself into,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y mentor called me, and we did FaceTime, talked to each other. I really enjoyed having that, and then as soon as I was able to, I became a mentor myself.鈥�

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Shawn said he became addicted to drugs and lived on the streets for 10 years. But one day, a nurse changed his life.

鈥淚t was a nurse in the ER that talked to me for over three hours that just really inspired me to give back to something and I felt like I had a second shot at life,鈥� Shawn said. 鈥淕iving back to patients is a form of me being able to give something back to the community.鈥�

Shawn started at WCU-Los Angeles in 2014. He was able to play a big role in CNSA (California Nursing Students’ Association) and became the first WCU student to have an active role on the state board for CNSA, later serving as president for the state of California. Years later, he continued his education, earning his MSN-FNP from WCU-Online in 2022.

鈥淢y experience overall was perfection. I had no complaints. I did very well through the program and had such a huge sense of admiration for the program,鈥� Shawn said.

While Shawn was earning his degrees, Tammy was already in the healthcare field. She went through a medical sonography program and earned a degree in radiology. For the past 23 years, she鈥檚 specialized in pediatric and fetal cardiology. Tammy said she and Shawn have gotten closer over the past two years.

鈥淗e was able to come and do some of his clinical hours for the NP program, through me, through the cardiology clinics that I work with, so he was able to see me at work,鈥� Tammy said. 鈥淗e never gave up. He kept going, and he finished. We were all really proud of him, and I watch him with his patients now, and he’s great. He’s a great nurse. I think that was really his calling.鈥�

Recently, Tammy said she felt like radiology ran its course, and she needed a change. At first, she was considering PA school, but Shawn helped steer her towards the nursing route. Once she finishes her BSN, she also plans to complete the NP program.

鈥淚 chose 国产主播 because of the high regard, Shawn holds it too; he had such a good experience, talks very highly of West Coast,鈥� Tammy said. 鈥淭he goal down the road is for him and I to be able to work together and have a family-owned practice together at some point.鈥�

As a mom of five, Tammy said she鈥檚 thankful for any financial help she could get in her journey back to school. The WCU Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship was created to support a family tradition of WCU Alumni and provide financial assistance to current WCU undergraduate and graduate students who have a relative that is a WCU Alumni. Tammy was a Spring 2022 recipient.

鈥淚 am thankful for these scholarships that are able to help so many people,鈥� Shawn said.

For additional information and eligibility requirements on alumni scholarships, please visit: /about/alumni/scholarships

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As a collaborative effort between Career Services and the Alumni Relations Team, 国产主播-Los Angeles held a Nursing Specialty Showcase for students on June 27.

For students, Monica Gutierrez and Ross Reinacher, career fairs like these are essential for their future success. While attending the Showcase they were able to learn about different areas of healthcare from WCU Alumni currently working in the field.

鈥淭he fact that they graduated from West Coast makes me feel better about being able to go out there, get a job, and find a career that I like and my path in nursing,鈥� Gutierrez said.

鈥淚 think this is invaluable,鈥� Reinacher said. 鈥淚’ve found a lot of useful information here. It鈥檚 great having people who have been in our situation, telling us what they鈥檝e gone through and what they’re doing now.鈥�

WCU-Los Angeles Alumna Christina Le (BSN 鈥�16) was happy to come back to her old stomping grounds to help future nurses find their niche.

鈥淚 think it’s important to teach the others along the way that probably are having the same struggles that you did,鈥� Le said. 鈥淚 think it’s really nice to hear that there is success outside of school and that we all can do it and you’re going to make it.鈥�  

Alumnus Shota Mkrtumyan (BSN 鈥�17) shared with students advice on the importance of doing what you love.

鈥淗ealth care gives you the option to do many things,鈥� Mkrtumyan said. 鈥淵ou could do inpatient care or in the insurance industry but the most important advice that I would give is find your niche. I know we all need to have financial needs but don’t focus on the money focus on something that you would love to do for the rest of your life.鈥�

Overall, 19 alumni attended the event to share their experiences and give current students insight into their chosen field.

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Chana Levin was left completely floored when she showed up at her scheduled clinical rotation at Los Angeles Medical Center, and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her education.

鈥淲e are all here because we love nursing, we love to help people, but to have a hospital recognize the work ethic that goes into it and the dedication that it takes to succeed was just extremely rewarding,鈥� Chana said.

The 国产主播-Los Angeles bachelor of science in nursing student always had a strong desire to help people, she shared, but the hands-on experience and scholarship was the boost she needed to keep going.

鈥淭he staff is incredible and there are some new grads here that graduated from 国产主播 who are so excited to teach us and show us exactly what it takes in a day as a nurse which helps,鈥� she said.

Chana鈥檚 family and background also inspire her to keep going with her education.

鈥淚 come from a family that is completely community-oriented and my parents are involved in community resource centers,鈥� she said. 鈥淕rowing up, everything was about helping other people and I knew that I had a strong passion for academics and people, so I figured out that nursing was the perfect way to go.鈥�

It鈥檚 that passion for helping people that drives Chana to serve each day with purpose.

鈥淲e work so many days out of our lives and if there is no meaning in that work, then you will just turn around one day and not have a purpose,鈥� she shared, adding, 鈥淭here鈥檚 always room to grow and there鈥檚 always different avenues to take.鈥�

Now a few months away from graduating, Chana is excited about her imminent nursing career.

鈥淚 knew I was interested in going to nursing school but I was looking for a more accelerated program pace that would allow me to get through my schooling and working as soon as possible,鈥� Chana said.

While the program has had challenging and stressful moments, especially during COVID, Chana shared that West Coast was the experience she was looking for.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been great and I think the school did a phenomenal job during COVID, allowing us to transition to online schooling quicker than any other school I have heard, which allowed us to continue our program without any pauses and they have just tried their best to make the experience as fluid as possible,鈥� Chana said.聽

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