Graduates from 返字心頭���s Texas campus and Online 返字心頭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 返字心頭,” Anthony said. “I felt like they saw me as a person, and today, I’m most thankful to be completing my master’s program.���油

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.油

“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.��� 

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Originally from California, Esther N. initially planned to attend the university’s campus in Anaheim until learning about the advantages of moving to the Lone Star State.油

“I originally heard about 返字心頭 from California because that’s where I was living previously,” she said. “But then I found out that Texas is actually a cheaper option, and I decided to move to Texas.”

The transition from California to Texas was made smoother by 返字心頭���s support, Esther explained. Despite never having visited the Texas campus before her move, she described her first impression as overwhelmingly positive.

“When I first stepped foot on the campus, I thought it was beautiful; it took my breath away,” she said. 

Esther���s decision to pursue nursing stemmed from personal experiences. 

“I picked nursing because when I was young, I often spent most of my time in the hospital, and the nurses made it such a wonderful place to be that I didn’t even want to leave,” Esther said. 

She was determined to share that same compassion and care with her future patients. 

Adjusting to life in Texas was a surprisingly smooth experience for Esther. 

“I adjusted really well, actually. I’m very grateful that I moved because I got to have family here, and I’m not going back anytime soon,” she said. 

She recommended Dallas as a vibrant place to live, adding, “The food is great, the culture is great, the people are good. It���s a wonderful place to live ��� not in the summer, though!” 

Esther reflected on the strong relationships she built at 返字心頭. 

“My relationship with my classmates was amazing; I found my forever family in nursing school,” she said. ���Relationships with the professors and faculty were also really good because, at West Coast, they value student input, so communication was always flowing.” 

As for her preparation for the nursing field, she credited the university’s rigorous support. 

“West Coast prepared me amazingly for the NCLEX and for nursing as a whole,” she said. 

At her pinning ceremony, Esther celebrated her achievements and offered advice to future students: “You can’t do nursing school alone, so find that family or friend that you can rely on because it is going to get tough. Use your resources early and remember why you started nursing school.” 

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Recent 返字心頭-Texas graduate Jemima O.’s journey to her nursing pinning was far from easy. She had faced an academic suspension at a previous school, a setback that many might have seen as the end of their dreams. Yet, for Jemima, it was the start of a new chapter. Encouraged by a friend who praised 返字心頭’s hands-on approach and robust support system, she decided to give nursing school another shot. 

���I���m so excited,��� Jemima shared. ���It���s been a long time coming��� a lot of bumps, but it���s all worth it.��� 

Jemima’s passion for nursing began in middle school with a desire to care for babies, and it deepened further after losing her grandmother in 2020. 

���She passed from an asthma attack in Nigeria, and my mom always said she didn���t feel supported,��� Jemima recalled. 

This experience fueled her commitment to becoming a nurse who truly listens and cares for her patients, extending that care to families, too. 

“Nursing is way more than giving meds or helping patients rehab. It’s caring for the individual, getting to their level, and building a patient-nurse relationship,��� she said. “I want to be that nurse that listens … that’s my goal, to really listen to the patient and let them tell me what to do.” 

Throughout her time at 返字心頭, Jemima pushed herself beyond her comfort zone. Initially shy, she embraced roles like being a PAL tutor and work-study student, which helped her grow both professionally and personally. Her professors and peers provided the encouragement and resources she needed, enabling her to transform from a struggling student into one on the Dean’s List. 

���It was a huge move from Houston to Dallas for school, especially because I wasn’t successful in my other school. I came from somewhere very low. I came from a place where I was basically academically suspended, and then I was getting A’s and was on the Dean’s List,” Jemima said. “And my professors are a big reason for that. There’s a lot of moments that you might feel like you can’t do it but to see that I’m here now is unbelievable.” 

Having just passed her NCLEX exam, Jemima feels prepared and confident for her career ahead. 

���I���ve been taught the skills and critical thinking��� I think I���m ready,��� she said. 

Her advice to future students is simple but powerful: ���Use your resources��� be vocal about what you���re dealing with��� keep going.��� 

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Kelly W., a 返字心頭 alumna, veteran, and scholarship recipient, recently shared her inspiring journey.

At 17, Kelly made the decision to enlist in the military and had begun boot camp by the time she turned 18. Over the course of the next 12 years and two military tours, she developed invaluable skills and values that she later applied to her civilian career in healthcare.

In 2009, Kelly began her nursing education as part of WCU���s first graduating class in the LPN to ADN pathway program. She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing from WCU-Ontario in 2013, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor at her alma mater.

For the past five and a half years, Kelly has worked in a pediatric emergency room while teaching clinical pediatrics students at WCU. She is deeply committed to supporting students and advocating for children. Recently, she embarked on a new academic journey, pursuing an MBA with a focus on healthcare. In recognition of her contributions to the community, WCU awarded her a scholarship to support her continued education.

What led you to join the Army?

My childhood was not easy, and I didn���t think I could support myself financially to get an education. While in high school, I joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) and learned about the military. I joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2002 in a medical unit. I reenlisted and did two tours overseas. Overall, I stayed for 12 years, so I enjoyed it.

How did the Army lead you to nursing?

I was working with a lot of medics, nurses and people in the healthcare field. I wanted to continue on and do more than just screening and triaging. I deployed in 2004 and was in the field. I came back and worked as an LVN but wanted to return to get my RN.

Why did you choose to attend WCU?

I saw they had the LVN to RN bridge program, and they were a GI school. Coming from the military, I wanted to use my benefits. I was happy the university was supporting veterans and was accredited. Given my background, I was able to grow in my career.

How do the skills you gained in the military impact your work as a nurse?

I live by Army values every day: selfless service, integrity, honor. I love it. I���m disciplined now because of my time in the military. I don���t take the little things for granted. I���m also reliable and responsible ��� I���ve stayed in most of my jobs for a long time because I feel devoted.

What made you want to return to teach at WCU?

When I graduated as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I got a job working in the pediatric emergency department. I also applied to teach at WCU. I love what I do and I wanted the students to realize what it is to take care of kids. Being in the emergency department, I felt I could bring a new perspective.

How did you run your clinical sessions as an instructor?

The feedback I often got was that they loved that I was so hands-on. I would take them to the emergency department and if there were baby catheters or IVs, I always volunteered to do it with my students so I could teach them the skills. They were grateful and excited to accomplish something with a patient. We would huddle at the end of the clinical and they would discuss their cases and feel proud of what they did.

Why are you #WCUProud?

I feel proud that I am recognized as an alumnus. I think it���s great that there���s unity within the university. I remember being there, and we had a veteran group. There was a lot of camaraderie. I also want to say thank you to WCU for continuing to support my career progression. I feel a family connection with the university, given the longevity I���ve had with them as both a student and a professor. I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Editor���s Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

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Originally from Romania, Razvan G. and his wife Elena came to the United States in 2014 after winning a Green Card lottery. Now proud graduates of 返字心頭-Miami, their educational journey was marked by determination and sacrifice. 

“We came in with just the green cards, a few bucks, and our luggage, leaving everything behind for a new life here,” Razvan said, who graduated from WCU-Miami with a bachelor’s degree in 2021. 

The decision to attend WCU was sparked after seeing a commercial on TV in 2017. Razvan was looking for schools for nursing and after seeing the ad, felt compelled to get off the couch. 

“I drove to WCU, sat with an advisor, and that was it,” he said. “The adviser was very knowledgeable and nice enough to explain how the process works.” 

Balancing work and school was a significant challenge for Razvan at first. To cover the bills, Razvan sold cars and drove Uber for about a year and a half. Eventually, Razvan decided to focus on his studies and stopped working, but that is when his wife Elena stepped in, taking extra hours to support the family. 

“For two and a half years, she was the one paying all the bills, and my only job was to come to school every day,” he said. “We had to rely on each other. She said, ‘I got you, I’ll take more hours, pay the bills, you just make sure you finish school.'” 

This mutual support continued when his wife enrolled in the 18-month ADN program in June 2022. Razvan took on extra work as a psychiatric nurse to cover the bills while she studied. 

Razvan said he and his wife���s story is one of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to their dreams. Their experience at 返字心頭 not only prepared them for successful careers but also strengthened their bond as a family. 

“Financially, we are very stable now. We were struggling like everybody else, but it’s not just the financial part. You feel appreciated,” Razvan said. ���When she graduated and passed her NCLEX, I felt like another dream came true. It was like winning a gold medal.”  

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The Miramar Cultural Center was filled with excitement and pride this October as the friends and families of about 200 graduates from 返字心頭 gathered to celebrate their loved ones��� achievements. Graduates from various healthcare programs marked a pivotal moment in their careers, prepared to step into the healthcare field equipped with skills and experience. 

Triumph and Reflection from the Valedictorian 

Kayli T., the valedictorian of WCU-Miami’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, shared a deeply personal connection to her accomplishment. Her mother had predicted months in advance that Kayli would earn this honor. When the official news came, both mother and daughter celebrated the moment together. 

���Today means everything to me. It shows what I’ve accomplished and all the things I’ve had to go through to get to where I am,��� Kayli said. ���It shows how hard I worked and how much effort I put into everything I’m about to start doing ��� my career, everything.��� 

A Milestone for Family Pride 

For Lorelys A., another WCU-Miami BSN graduate, the moment carried even greater significance as the first member of her family to graduate from college. 

���I did this basically for my parents. I’m the first to graduate college in my family, so I’m really happy about that. I’m very proud of it,��� Lorelys shared. ���My mom and dad always encouraged me to work hard… Watching myself put (my graduation robes on) in the bathroom, it made me emotional.��� 

A Journey of Unexpected Joy and Growth 

Joanna O., who completed her Master of Science in Nursing���Family Nurse Practitioner program, found inspiration for her studies through her interactions with WCU alumni at her job in a stroke unit. Despite her busy schedule, Joanna said WCU offered the flexibility she needed through its online programs. 

���The time comes, and it comes faster than you’re expecting it and faster than you ever think it’s going to happen,��� she said. ���I remember signing up for school, and I’m like, ���Oh, it’s going to be 20-something months.��� It passes by so fast… Just enjoy it.��� 

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience 

For Anthoniel C., the road to graduation was deeply personal. Already a WCU alumnus with a BSN, he returned to earn his MSN as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Having missed his undergraduate graduation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attending the master���s hooding ceremony was particularly meaningful to him. 

���I want people to know that they can do it. It’s scary, but if you work hard, you can do it, and West Coast can give you the resources to do it,��� Anthoniel encouraged.油

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返字心頭 celebrated its 2024 Fall Commencement at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California this October, honoring the accomplishments of approximately 2,000 graduates.油

Students received degrees in several fields, including nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental hygiene, and health administration, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work in healthcare education. Held in the vibrant setting of the Honda Center, commencement was a proud moment for graduates, families, and faculty alike as they recognized the future leaders and professionals entering the healthcare field, poised to make a lasting impact on patient care and community health. 

WCU-Orange County BSN valedictorian Tiffany N. said she was motivated to work in the intensive care unit after seeing the lives of injured friends changed by the help they received from a nurse. 

“This is the moment all my hard work is culminating to and I can’t wait to walk across the stage,” Tiffany said. “My journey wasn’t easy. I feel like nothing worth it in life is easy, and I say go for it, never lose sight of what your goal is, and just push through.”  

Dental hygiene graduate Gerlyn N. said she’s dedicated to making a difference in underserved communities by educating and helping the Hispanic and deaf community. 

Coming into school with zero experience in the dental world, Gerlyn said her educational journey at WCU was transformative and urged anyone on the fence about going back to school not to hesitate. 

“Don’t wait. Make this change now because it’s an investment for your future and your overall well-being,” Gerlyn said. “返字心頭 is honestly the best decision I could have ever made for myself.” 

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We talked to BSN graduates from four campuses in three states about their advice to future nursing students. The replies varied but had one common theme: When you���re ready to be a nurse, don���t let anything stop you — including yourself.油

Check out what our alumni had to say: 

Do your homework. 

���Take your time. Do your research. Carefully look for the things that matter most to you, meaning class sizes, the times that they have availability, and their flexibility to work with your schedule and your life. Just because we go to school doesn’t mean we can put the rest of our life on pause. Having that option of flexibility and a school that works with you, and professors that are willing to give you resources and help you, is really the No. 1 priority.��� — Tiffany C., WCU-Miami BSN ���23油

—- 

When in doubt, dive in ��� headfirst. 

���If you’re on the fence about it, I say do it because you’re going to talk yourself out of it. Even if it’s something you’ve wanted your entire life, you’re going to end up talking yourself out. So, if you’re ready and you have the means to do it, just jump in headfirst. You won’t regret it.��� — Lauren A., WCU-Los Angeles BSN ���22 

—- 

You���re not alone. 

���Utilize all the resources that you have. We have students tutoring other students; we have some of our professors tutoring for their classes. Go to every resource that is offered to you.��� — Haneefah M., WCU-Ontario BSN ���23 

— 

Don���t wait to get help.  

���Use their resources. 返字心頭 provides you with tons of resources. There���s PAL tutoring, there���s your professors. Use all your resources early. Don���t wait until it���s like Week 5 or Week 6.��� — Esther N., WCU-Texas BSN ���24油

—油

Don���t give up.油

���Stick it out. It’s difficult while you’re here, but the end result is just so worth it. Just find things that bring you joy in the little moments. You need that to make it through because it is a tough road.��� — Shelby L., WCU-Los Angeles BSN ���17 

—- 

You will find the right fit. 

���Go for it. Don’t think about it, don’t dwell on it — especially if you’re at a point in your life where you want to be in the healthcare field and you just don’t know where you’ll fit in. I think nursing is a beautiful career because you don’t necessarily have to be in a hospital setting. You don’t have to be in a clinical setting. You can pretty much do whatever you want.��� — Melani G, WCU-Miami BSN ���20  

—- 

It���s worth it. 

���Nothing in life is easy that is worth it. If it is worth it, most likely, you’re going to have to put some effort into it, some sweat and some tears. That’s good — it sharpens you.��� — Monica B., WCU-Miami BSN ���17 

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Paola B. BSN’21 WCU-Texas

Scholarships offer much more than just financial relief���they can be transformative in multiple aspects of the academic journey. By reducing reliance on student loans, scholarships help recipients graduate with less debt.

In addition to financial aid, scholarships often provide additional opportunities, such as networking and mentorship programs. The recognition that comes with being awarded a scholarship is a testament to one���s merit and can enhance any resume. The application process itself fosters personal development by encouraging reflection on one���s goals and achievements.

The WCU Alumni Association scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to alumni and current students aiming to further their education and enhance their skills.

Here are 5 valuable tips for applying to WCU Alumni Association Scholarships:

1. Start Early
   • What makes the Alumni Association scholarships unique is the acceptance of applications year-round. Two deadlines are set each year: April 1 and October 1.
2. Tailor Your Application
   • There are 7 scholarships available: WCU Alumni Association Professional Development Scholarship, WCU Proud Scholarship, WCU Texas Proud Scholarship, WCU Alumni Association Scholarship, Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship, WCU Sigma Theta Tau Scholarship and ACC Alumni Bridge Scholarship. Tailor the application to the specific scholarship by highlighting relevant qualities and experiences that match the scholarship���s criteria.
3. Write a Compelling Essay
   • The essay is a key component of the application. Be authentic, share a personal story, and articulate goals clearly. Proofread multiple times and seek feedback from professors or mentors.
4. Gather Strong References
   • Seek references from individuals who are well-acquainted you���re your strengths and potential, such as a professor or supervisor. Supplying them with a resume and a summary of the scholarship will help in creating a personalized letter.
5. Stay Organized
   • Keep track of the deadlines and the required documents. A spreadsheet or calendar can help manage the process.

Remember, the deadline to apply for the next round of Alumni Scholarships is October 1, 2024. Take the first step towards a brighter future!

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Growing up in a family rooted in the medical field, Shelby L. has always been passionate about helping others ��� 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 ��� who met for the first time in a hospital.油

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

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

“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.”油

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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