Online Archives | ��

Inspired by Family, �� MSLP Student Is Driven to Make a Difference

�� — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:13 +0000

For Megha C., the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist began when she was just 10 years old. Growing up in a close-knit joint family, Megha witnessed her youngest cousin’s transformation through speech therapy.

“He was almost 4 and not speaking. Now, at 13, he’s completely verbal,” she recalled with pride. “Seeing that change inspired me to dedicate my life to this field.”

Speech-language pathology is a dynamic field that extends far beyond helping people speak.

“We work with everyone — from infants in the NICU to senior citizens.” The field encompasses various specialties, including voice disorders, stuttering, feeding and swallowing, and cognitive-communication issues in stroke patients. It even delves into literacy disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for those who are nonverbal. “It’s such a vast and rewarding field,” Megha said. “You’re always learning, and there’s never a dull moment.”

Megha’s passion for helping others took root early. In middle school, she co-founded Lywood Awareness Buddies (LAB), an organization that bridged the gap between general and special education students. From presenting at Board of Education meetings to organizing community symposiums, Megha demonstrated her commitment to fostering inclusion and understanding. Today, LAB’s legacy continues, influencing younger generations to embrace diversity and empathy.

Fast forward to her time at ��, Megha chose to relocate from New Jersey to Dallas to make the most of her Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program.

“Even though the program is online, I wanted the experience of a new city and the opportunity to connect with my peers and professors in person,” she explained. The �� Texas campus and supportive environment have made her feel at home, offering study spaces and a welcoming community.

As an online student, Megha remains deeply engaged. She serves as the president of WCU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and was recently elected to its national Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) work group. Her leadership roles allow her to advocate for a more inclusive environment, a cause close to her heart as a South Asian daughter of immigrants.

The program’s flipped classroom model and on-site immersives have broadened Megha’s horizons.

“I came in set on working with children with autism, but now I’m exploring stuttering and neuro disorders,” she shared. These experiences, coupled with the support of faculty and Program Dean, have bolstered her confidence. “Our professors genuinely care about us as individuals, not just as students.”

For now, Megha remains focused on her clinical placements, eagerly anticipating the day she can help others find their voice, just as her cousin once did.

The post Inspired by Family, �� MSLP Student Is Driven to Make a Difference appeared first on ��.

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.”

The post WCU’s Online MBA Program Helped Graduate Balance Motherhood and Education appeared first on ��.

Graduates Celebrate 2024 �� Commencement at Plano Events Center

�� — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Graduates from ��’s Texas campus and Online Programs gathered in front of friends and families this December at the Plano Event Center to celebrate the 2024 Commencement.

Master of Physician Assistant graduate Anthony I. said he always wanted to be in medicine, either as a doctor or a PA but wanted flexibility. As a PA, he said, you can switch specialties whenever you desire — and that’s what really sold him on the profession.

“I never felt like a number at ��,” Anthony said. “I felt like they saw me as a person, and today, I’m most thankful to be completing my master’s program.”

Already a licensed vocational nurse for over a decade, WCU-Texas BSN graduate Courtney W. 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. I didn’t go straight to college right after high school, so it’s never too late,” she said.

A former Baylor University undergraduate with a degree in health science studies, Emma T. said she was drawn to the PA profession for its team-oriented approach and versatility.

“I never thought I’d be standing here. I think it’s just something I’ve dreamed about and worked so hard for,” Emma said. “I know that this program prepared me well I was surrounded by such great friends and classmates and faculty that they never let me doubt myself.”

The post Graduates Celebrate 2024 �� Commencement at Plano Events Center appeared first on ��.

Former Reality Star Inspires LGBTQ+ Youth While Pursuing MSN Degree at WCU

�� — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Long before he started the WCU Online Program to pursue his MSN and become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Jerome A. had a story to tell. Born and raised in the Philippines, the 37-year-old rose to fame by competing in the seventh season of Pinoy Big Brother, the Philippine version of the popular Big Brother franchise. While on the show in 2016, Jerome decided to do something bold and come out as gay on national television.

“I did that because I want young people in my country to see that there’s nothing wrong with being gay or lesbian or whoever you are,” Jerome said. “At least one young gay person watching you will have the courage to do the same thing because they know they can participate in the community and make a big change.”

Coming out, especially to the entire country, was not something Jerome took lightly. His parents didn’t even know he was gay, so the announcement came as a surprise to everyone around him.

“It was tough. I kind of sensed that after this, people were going to be like, ‘Oh my god! We know you’re gay!’ I disregarded all of that information. I told myself, You’re not doing it because of those people. You’re not doing it because of the people around you. You’re doing it because you want to free yourself. It was a very memorable moment.”

After Jerome left the Big Brother house, he wasn’t sure how he’d be received by the public.

“When I was outside after the show, I kind of reviewed all the information that came out. It was everywhere! It was on the news, on social media, and on Google. It was crazy,” he said. “But that day was the day that I saw myself. That’s the day I considered myself being fully happy.”

With this newfound happiness, Jerome found the ambition to pursue something he’d always wanted: his MSN.

“I asked myself, after coming out as a gay person: What’s next? How are you going to contribute? Because we don’t live only for ourselves. If you have something to share, you have to talk. If you have something to contribute, you have to work… to pursue my life’s purpose. This was a good start.”

Since Jerome’s confidence and self-love now flow out abundantly, it’s easy for him to imagine how he might use his experience to help other young LGBTQ+ people in the healthcare space and beyond.

“I pursued a nurse practitioner career because I want to specialize in STIs. I want to serve as an advocate for LGBTQ+ people and be someone who is there to provide information,” he said. “Sometimes, people don’t open up about their sexual history. They don’t open up about their sexual encounters. Gay men tend to keep some information to themselves because they’re scared. I want to help the community.”

When asked about what advice he’d give to queer youth in his position, Jerome emphasized the importance of knowing when the time is right.

“Do not push if you feel like it’s not the time yet. You always need to have a support system. You always need to consider what will make you happy at the end of the day,” he said.

Ultimately, Jerome’s message to the world is one of inclusivity and love, something he carries into his practice and beyond: “Whether you are male, female, gay, lesbian — we are all the same.”

The post Former Reality Star Inspires LGBTQ+ Youth While Pursuing MSN Degree at WCU appeared first on ��.

WCU MSOT Student Loved Flexibility of Online Learning Experience

�� — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The path to becoming an occupational therapist (OT) has been a unique and transformative experience, especially when navigating the nuances of online learning. As a �� OT program student, Devora W. had the opportunity to experience a synchronous learning format that blends the best of both worlds — online and in-person education. Here is what she had to share about her experience.

Embracing the World of Online Learning

“One of the standout benefits of the OT program is the flexibility it offers through its online synchronous classes. With several days dedicated to online learning, it allows us to remain in the comfort of our homes, save time on commuting, and manage other responsibilities like family and homework. This structure is particularly supportive, providing the necessary balance to accommodate our personal and academic lives.”

Comparing Online to In-Class Learning

“When comparing online learning to traditional classroom settings, the ability to stay at home stands out as a major advantage. Personally, I find comfort in learning from home, though I also appreciate the in-person sessions that offer hands-on experience. This hybrid model ensures we receive comprehensive training without sacrificing the convenience that online classes provide.”

Advantages of Online Classes

“The primary advantages of online classes include the comfort of being at home and the significant time saved on commuting. This time can be reallocated to other essential activities, making the learning process more efficient and adaptable to our schedules. The seamless operation of online classes these days further enhances the learning experience, making it a viable and effective alternative to traditional methods.”

Advice for Future OT Students

“To future students considering the OT program, my advice is simple: push through. The journey may seem daunting, but the end is closer than it appears. Enjoy every moment and embrace each experience as an opportunity for growth. This period is crucial for developing into the OT professional you aspire to be.”

The Rewarding Aspect of OT

“What I love most about OT is the ability to help individuals regain confidence and independence in their lives. The rewarding nature of this work is not just about the impact on others, but also the personal fulfillment it brings. Seeing someone’s life transform is truly an amazing experience.”

Reflecting on the Journey

“If I could go back in time to my first day at WCU, I would tell myself that the program progresses faster than expected. This awareness would encourage me to savor each moment and maximize my learning opportunities.”

Impact and Future Aspirations

“After graduating, I aim to raise awareness about the true essence of occupational therapy. It’s not just about helping people find jobs; it’s about empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential and independence. Post-graduation, I look forward to working in the pediatric field and am excited about the new chapter that awaits.“

The post WCU MSOT Student Loved Flexibility of Online Learning Experience appeared first on ��.

Embracing Change: MSLP Student Thrives in Role of Learner

�� — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:00:18 +0000

Motivated by a desire for change but also having a profession that integrated her background as a teacher, Julie C. began her journey into the online Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at ��.

Julie first discovered speech-language pathology through her sister, whose son worked with a speech-language pathologist at school. Intrigued by the field’s combination of science and education, Julie explored further and found SLP to be a perfect fit with her extensive knowledge of biological health sciences and chemistry after a decade of teaching physics, chemistry, and middle school STEM classes.

“This profession allows me to apply all of my skills in a new way,” she said. “It’s a great change of pace, especially for someone in their middle age seeking something different.”

Julie said she was drawn to WCU because of its innovative and fresh approach to the MSLP program. Being a new program, WCU provided Julie with the opportunity to grow alongside the program and contribute to its evolving success.

“I thought, ‘They’re new at this, I’m new at this, I’m going to give it a chance,’” she said.

Embracing the transition from teacher to student, Julie found her stride within a few months despite initial challenges, including self-doubt. Thanks to the support received from her instructors, she began gaining confidence and deepening her passion for the field.

“The instructors put in effort to get to know you and your learning style,” Julie said. “They find a way within the group to tailor to the individual.”

Julie envisions using her newly gained SLP skills to address the unique challenges faced by rural schools and bring attention to the educational needs of smaller populations.

“I’ve enjoyed the SLP profession more with every month that goes by,” Julie said. “As I gain skills, I also gain confidence, and I hope to use it in a meaningful way.”

The post Embracing Change: MSLP Student Thrives in Role of Learner appeared first on ��.

MSLP Student Excited to Take Speech Career to Next Level with Graduate Degree

�� — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:00:34 +0000

Jessica W. always felt drawn to working with children but soon realized that the conventional role of a teacher in a classroom wasn’t right for her. Determined to explore other options, she stumbled upon speech-language pathology during her high school years while shadowing an SLP and found it to be a perfect fit.

“Communication is such an important part of our daily lives,” she said. “Just to see a little spark and open that door for communication for a kid is very rewarding.”

Jessica worked for six years as an SLP aide, always nurturing the dream of advancing her education. The decision to pursue a master’s degree was a natural one, she said, as it opened opportunities for career growth and a broader scope of practice.

Choosing the right program for Jessica meant seeking a balance between online and on-campus learning. The online master of speech-language pathology program at �� provided her with the perfect blend of both, allowing her to work part-time while pursuing her education.

“I needed some kind of face-to-face interaction with professors and students, but I also didn’t want a fully on-campus program,” Jessica said. “I needed a program that was flexible.”

As part of the first WCU online MSLP cohort, Jessica acknowledged the learning experience for both students and educators during her program. She said she especially valued the openness of her professors in refining her educational journey.

“They’ve all taken our feedback and tried to apply it,” she said. “They want to make sure we learn the material well.”

Jessica looks forward to starting her second year, anticipating the opportunity to complete her medical placements. She shared her excitement about exploring various areas within the field, although she currently leans towards continuing her work with children.

Reflecting on the challenges she’s faced, Jessica is thankful for the camaraderie of the cohort within the MSLP program. Despite encountering moments of doubt and exhaustion, she said she appreciates the support system her cohort has forged.

“We’ve created this bond between our classmates,” Jessica said. “We have a great cohort that has supported and leaned on each other throughout the program.”

The post MSLP Student Excited to Take Speech Career to Next Level with Graduate Degree appeared first on ��.

The Top 5 Qualities of Healthcare Entrepreneurs

�� — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:25:00 +0000

If you’re thinking about launching a business venture within the healthcare sector, you’re definitely onto something.

From the rising healthcare needs of aging Baby Boomers to advances in technology to demands for premium experiences from healthcare consumers, there’s ample opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking to disrupt the marketplace with new ideas and solutions.

There’s no questioning the opportunities that abound — but what does it take to be a successful healthcare entrepreneur? Here’s a list of the top five qualities that are essential for making it in the world of healthcare business venturing.

Passion-Driven Vision

The best healthcare entrepreneurs are focused on the big picture. They have a vision for not just starting a business or making money, but for solving real problems within the healthcare industry and subsequently creating better experiences and outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, and/or other parties within the system.

Creating and sustaining a healthcare business takes a lot of time, energy, and resources. Having a passion for what you’re doing can help keep you motivated through all the ups and downs you are bound to encounter in your entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you’re designing tech-based solutions to streamline health administration processes or you’re providing public health solutions that give the masses better access to care, you should always have a strong grasp of your “why” and let that passion serve as the momentum that propels you.

Understanding of the Healthcare Industry

You can’t create business solutions for the healthcare space unless you have an in-depth understanding of how this industry works, including its current systems, challenges, and needs. Healthcare entrepreneurs should have knowledge in areas such as health administration best practices, payer-provider dynamics, healthcare laws and regulations, health system infrastructure, healthcare information management, health technologies, and more.

While healthcare entrepreneurs do not have to be licensed clinicians, they should be familiar with the world of clinical care, especially if they plan to open and operate a clinical practice or provide solutions that support clinicians.

A Business Mindset

Passion and understanding of the healthcare industry aren’t enough to help you build a thriving healthcare business or practice. You should also have a strong grasp of business and managerial best practices, as you will be securing capital, managing budgets, building teams, overseeing operations, and more.

As a healthcare entrepreneur, you will need to understand topics such as:

Budgeting and finance
Marketing
Organizational leadership
Business law and ethics
Strategic planning
Operations management

You can build a solid foundation for future entrepreneurship and business management in healthcare by earning a business degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in an area such as health administration or public health. You may even want to consider a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA).

An Eye for Innovation

With the rise of and applications in healthcare, there’s plenty of opportunity for innovation. From health-tracking mobile apps to integrated health information management systems to smart medical devices to unique healthcare service offerings, healthcare entrepreneurs have the chance to disrupt the current marketplace with new solutions that meet healthcare consumers’ or providers’ needs in a whole new way.

Healthcare entrepreneurs need to be able to think outside the box and also think long-term so they can come up with unique product and service offerings that stand out from the competition while sustaining strong positioning in the marketplace over the long run.

Resilience

While there’s appeal in being your own boss and setting your own path, being an entrepreneur is by no means the “easy” option when it comes to career choices. As a healthcare entrepreneur who is just at the start of a new business venture, you typically have to wear many hats — visionary, business strategist, fundraiser, marketer, salesperson, employer, financial director, and the list goes on.

There will be times that you will feel stretched thin (at least until you can grow your business to the point of hiring others for some of these roles), and you will undoubtedly come across challenges along the way.

Successful healthcare entrepreneurs don’t give up easily when faced with challenges, they use creative problem-solving to get through business setbacks, and use their passion-driven vision (see #1 on this list) as their motivation to keep moving forward.

Work Toward Your Goal with an MBA

�� helps provide the foundational education that students need to become business leaders and entrepreneurs. Explore our online MBA program, which offers specializations in Health Administration and Leadership, Public Health, and Project Management.

WCU also offers a Master of Health Administration program, which offers specializations in
Informatics, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, and Public Health.

If you’re interested in a bachelor’s degree program, WCU offers a BS in Health Administration
program, which offers specializations in Finance and Strategic Management.

WCU is here to help equip you with the tools you need to make a difference in healthcare!

The post The Top 5 Qualities of Healthcare Entrepreneurs appeared first on ��.

MSLP Program Recognizes Inaugural Cohort’s White Coat Ceremony

�� — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Friends and family of ��’s Master of Speech Language-Pathology cohort gathered this November to celebrate the program’s first white coat ceremony.

The inaugural cohort received their white coats “as a symbol of professionalism and knowledge” after spending the weekend completing their adult immersion experience at ��-Orange County campus.

The MSLP cohort will now head into the final trimester of their 20-month journey to complete the medical immersion and medical clinical experiences.

“You have greatness in you, and we want you to live out the full meaning of that greatness,” Dr. Regina Lemmon Bush, MSP Dean and program director, said. “Go forward with success and the knowledge that you have the ability, the tools, the techniques to become a stellar speech-language pathologist.”

The post MSLP Program Recognizes Inaugural Cohort’s White Coat Ceremony appeared first on ��.

Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Granddaughter: Family Spans Three Generations in Medicine

�� — Fri, 05 May 2023 20:11:09 +0000

Sadaf’s goal, she said, is to always bring a positive change to her community, just like her own mother — who was also a doctor — did.

“My mom was a doctor, but she wanted me to do something more,” Sadaf said. “As a physician in Pakistan, I was trying to bring change to one person at a time, but I thought with a degree in public health, I could help the community at large.”

After her family relocated to the United States, Sardaf began working at a local hospital as a medical assistant. Wanting to expand her reach and impact on the community, Sardaf saw by creating and implementing new health policies and processes, she could have a larger influence on her community.

Sardaf said she began looking at schools that offered a Master of Public Health (MPH) program that aligned with her being a working mother and eventually enrolled in ��’s first hybrid MPH cohort.

“Most of the programs were on campus, and I got disappointed thinking, ‘Oh my gosh. I �ɴǲ�’t be able to fulfill my dream of getting a master’s in public health,’” Sadaf said. “Instead, everyone was so supportive…I was able to handle my MPH degree and my work simultaneously.”

After receiving her masters of public health from WCU in 2019, Sadaf is now an investigator for Riverside County. And inspired by her mother once again, Javeria pursued her long-term goal of working for an underserved community and continuing her education.

Reflecting on her childhood, Sadaf remembered her mother’s commitment to education and the healthcare community.

“When I was growing up, my mom was always studying,” Javeria said. “Even when we moved to America, and she wasn’t working, she was still studying. That really sparked my interest back then, but I didn’t realize it. It made me study too.”

In college, Javeria learned of the physician’s assistant field, finding it aligned most with her goals and passion to care for the community. After enrolling in the MPA program at WCU, she leaned on her mom for support.

“Throughout any decision that I make in my life, I know my mom is going to be my No. 1 supporter,” Javeria said. “In school right now, there are days where I worry about if I am passing, and I feel so overwhelmed, and she says it’s OK to feel like that…having my support system be my mom is so helpful.”

As for Sadaf, she said she’s proud of how hard her daughter works and that she has chosen a similar life path to herself and Javeria’s grandmother. And as Sadaf continues her own career, she strives to give back to the university and its students. She said she is looking forward to the day when she will watch her own daughter cross the stage at commencement and join her as a member of the WCU Alumni Association.

“Whatever I was trying to do, I was successful. I transferred the message to my daughter,” Sadaf said. “Generation after generation, we are bringing positive differences to the lives of people and the community.”

The post Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Granddaughter: Family Spans Three Generations in Medicine appeared first on ��.

Online Archives | ��������

Inspired by Family, �������� MSLP Student Is Driven to Make a Difference