At first, Kyle B. said he decided to pursue nursing to become聽financially stable and offer his family a better lifestyle. However, he soon found a deeper reason for the role.

鈥淚 felt more meaning to have a noble career,鈥� Kyle said. 鈥淚 want to be able to save people and be someone鈥檚 hero. If there鈥檚 any way that I can make an impact on someone鈥檚 life I would do it in a heartbeat.鈥�

Kyle began his nursing program at 国产主播-Ontario in 2018. After experiencing a community college environment, he said he appreciated the experience WCU offered him.

鈥淧reviously I went to a community college in between schools and seeing how I would have to find my own classes and compete with other students, attending West Coast was easier,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing year-round in accelerated school made everything faster.鈥�

During his time at WCU, he was part of both the Student Veteran Organization and Student Nurse Association. Kyle also participated in the American Association of Nursing鈥檚 Men in Nursing Convention. As a board member, he attended all the meetings and ran their social media accounts. He said he is inspired to show other young men that they have a place in the nursing industry.

鈥淚 love being able to break boundaries and show that this career isn鈥檛 just made for the female generation,鈥� he said. 鈥淓specially being a minority in this field, I like to show the younger generations that males can do it.鈥�

The event was held at Pasadena City College and welcomed different elementary and middle school students to the field of nursing. Kyle said he was able to teach them how to perform resuscitations.

鈥淓veryone was really involved and active,鈥� Kyle said. 鈥淲e got to show them that there is a lifesaving aspect to nursing.鈥�

At the end of Kyle鈥檚 time at WCU, he said he took advantage of the career services when preparing for his first interview and perfecting his resume. Kyle currently acts as a Definitive Observation Unit (DOU) float nurse working in the intensive care unit, gastrointestinal laboratory, and emergency room, operating wherever needed.

鈥淚鈥檓 getting more well-rounded after just one year of being out of school,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like to make an impact on people, so I wanted to get out of the hospital to reach a larger community.鈥�

As a WCU alum, Kyle calls himself #WCUProud.

鈥�#WCUproud makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than just the school,鈥� Kyle said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 the LA, Orange County, Texas and Miami campuses. It makes me feel like I鈥檓 part of something bigger.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.