Alumni Archives | ��

Veteran and WCU Grad Sets Sights on Future in Dental Hygiene and Business

�� — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:00:59 +0000

After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, Freddy H. knew he wanted a career in the dental field. There was just one problem: The Marine Corps is the only branch without its own dental or medical program.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy said. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

The transition wasn’t immediate. Freddy left the military in 2019, taking a year to find the right program. He completed online coursework with other schools while overseas, but it wasn’t until 2022 that he enrolled in ��’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program in Orange County.

West Coast’s accelerated format was a deciding factor. “Other programs took a little longer to get in,” he said. “With West Coast, you go into general education and go straight into the actual program itself.”

The program was Freddy’s first in-person college experience, and he adapted quickly — thanks in part to WCU’s hands-on approach. “At West Coast, they do provide simulation for every student. It’s a pretty good experience, especially with hands-on. And then of course we have the clinical aspects as well, with dental hygiene having their own facility out of the Manchester campus,” he said.

Freddy’s motivation came from being a first-generation college student and making his parents proud. “That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Looking back, he wished he had started sooner. “I probably would have started the program a long time ago … and I would have got my bachelor’s degree way faster,” Freddy admitted. “But as long as I did it, I still accomplished it. That’s the main goal.”

For future students, Freddy recommends dental hygiene for those who want a career between dental assisting and dentistry. “If you want to get into the dental field like dental hygiene, I would definitely recommend it,” he said. “West Coast does prepare you. It is a rigorous program. They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing.”

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From Trauma Nurse to Professor: BSN Grad Comes Full Circle at WCU-Texas

�� — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After a decade of saving lives in emergency rooms and trauma units, Melanie H. has returned to where her nursing journey began — this time, as a professor.

A two-time graduate of ��, Melanie earned her BSN in 2017 and later completed her MSN in education. Now, she’s teaching the next generation of nurses at the same institution that once transformed her from a struggling student into a confident healthcare professional.

“I was a C student, not strong in math or science — and I became an A student,” she said. “Anyone can do it if your heart’s in it.”

Before nursing, Melanie was a project manager raising a family. Her career path changed dramatically the day her 12-year-old son nearly drowned. She watched in awe as nurses and hospital staff worked together to save his life.

“That was my moment,” she said. “This is what I want to do. I want to make that difference.”

Gaining Real-World Experience in Trauma and ER Nursing

Melanie embraced the intensity of nursing, gaining hands-on experience in ERs, trauma units, dialysis centers, county hospitals, and correctional facilities. But even early on, she felt drawn to education.

“Even in nursing school I said, ‘I want to be a teacher,’” she recalled. “Students asked me to tutor. Professors had me run the final review.”

Teaching at ��: A Full-Circle Moment

Her passion for education has come full circle. In March, she officially joined the WCU faculty. “I’m loving it,” she said. “Just seeing their excitement when they learn something new and I get to play a part in giving them that knowledge.”

Preparing Future Nurses with Advanced Training Technology

Melanie takes pride in preparing her students for real-world healthcare environments, especially through advanced technology. “We didn’t have all this tech,” she said. “Now students train on real systems — Omnicell, charting software — they’re prepared. It gives them an edge.”

The Support That Helped Her Succeed — Now Passed On

She also understands firsthand the power of student support. “From Day One, it was personal. Professors care,” she said. “You’re not just a number here — you are set up to succeed.”

Looking Ahead: Giving Back Through Education

For Melanie, teaching at �� is more than a job, it’s a legacy. “I want to share what I gained and what I received when I was a student,” she said. “I’m giving back what was given to me.”

And she’s not done yet. Melanie plans to pursue a doctorate through WCU so she can eventually teach in the MSN program. “My journey wasn’t easy, but I succeeded because of West Coast,” she said. “They support you from start to finish.”

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Working Mom Turned Life Experience into Career Success as Texas Nurse

�� — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Debbie Lee S., balancing the demands of nursing school while raising children was no small feat. As a full-time student and full-time mom, Debbie Lee brought a level of maturity and resilience to her studies that helped her stand out in a competitive field.

“As a mother, a wife, and an employee, we also need to be recognized,” she said. “I believe this field of nursing and wanting to pursue your career in nursing — there is a place for us.”

That place, for her, was ��-Texas, where she leaned into a strong support system and found her confidence. “The foundation was fitting into West Coast, and I fit in perfect here,” Debbie Lee said. “I got the support that I needed here to fulfill my dreams and my children’s dreams.”

From Clinicals to Confidence

Debbie Lee’s previous work as a patient care technician gave her a leg up when entering clinicals and simulation training but even with experience, there was still a learning curve.

“In the beginning, SIM was like, ‘OK, this is so weird,’” she said with a laugh. “But after a few rotations, it warmed me up. I let go. I talk as if the patient was actually a real patient… Now when I’m at clinicals, I move like an expert.”

She credited her comfort and preparedness to the instructors who guided her through SIM labs, helping her transform classroom learning into clinical confidence.

Persistence Pays Off

Debbie Lee’s job search was anything but easy. After attending over 20 interviews with little success, she took matters into her own hands.

“I said to myself, ‘I’m going to step out and I’m going to be Debbie, and I’m going to be bold,’” she said.

That boldness paid off. By the end of her clinical rotations, she had multiple interviews at hospitals. One even came from a chance elevator conversation with a manager who later conducted her formal job interview.

“It didn’t feel like an interview,” she said. “It was more like she’s getting to know me.”

Looking Ahead

With a new job, a soon-to-close house, and plans to eventually pursue her master’s degree, Debbie Lee’s journey is far from over. But for now, she’s enjoying the moment — and encouraging others to believe in themselves too.

“You may not see it right now,” she said, “but the support is there every step of the way.”

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Recent �� BSN Graduate Bring History of Goodwill to ICU as Nurse

�� — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For Greg D., graduating with his bachelor of science in nursing from ��-Ontario marks the end of a three-and-a-half-year journey and the start of a new chapter in healthcare.

Greg’s path to nursing wasn’t traditional. Before entering the field, he worked as a supervisor at Goodwill, supporting individuals with special needs. “They really liked me. I really liked just the whole environment of caring — being of service to others,” he said. His father’s role as a surgical ICU manager and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic helped solidify his decision to pursue nursing.

When he started at ��, Greg earned his certified nursing assistant license, gaining hands-on patient care experience. “Right when I started West Coast, I got my CNA license and then that’s when I was like, OK, this is what I want to do,’” he said.

For Greg, the best part of nursing is the connection with patients. “Being of service to others is the best human experience, in my opinion,” he said. “When you actually do good work and heal people… they show their gratitude, and you understand what they’re going through.”

Not every subject came easily: OB, for example, was a challenge. “I didn’t even know what a trimester was,” Greg admitted with a laugh. But rather than memorize, he focused on truly understanding the material, which paid off in the long run.

At 33, Greg values ��’s accelerated pace for students looking to make a career change. “I recommend it to my co-workers all the time, especially if you’re a lot older,” he said. “Especially for the accelerated way to go.”

Balancing school and work, Greg spent two years as a CNA before taking a student nurse position, which helped him develop confidence and clinical skills. While he never wanted to quit, there were moments of doubt. “It’s going to be hard,” he said. “It was a big sacrifice on lifestyle… I had to stop hanging out with certain people, stop watching TV. Definitely a big lifestyle change.”

His advice for future nurses is straightforward: “Don’t do it for the money. The ones that don’t like nursing live more miserably. You can do this — it’s worth it.”

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WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career

�� — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:00:08 +0000

Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother’s battle with cancer, but recent �� graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she said.

After spending the past 12 years working as a dental assistant while slowly chipping away at her coursework, earning her bachelor of science in dental hygiene from ��-Orange County was the culmination of more than a decade of dedication to the dental field.

Her decision to join West Coast came after encouragement from a WCU graduate she met at a clinic. “There’s no time like now to… finish my degree and do dental hygiene,” she recalled. While she considered other programs, ��’s accelerated format and bachelor’s degree option aligned perfectly with her long-term ambitions.

Bianca praised the program’s hands-on approach, including simulation stations that mimicked real dental hygiene stations. “It was kind of like having our own little practice… we were able to cultivate our own environment in that cohesive unit,” she said.

Beyond the classroom, she embraced WCU’s community service focus. She participated in outreach through the Elimination Foundation, Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveled to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need. “Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community… and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Her advice to future dental hygiene students is straightforward: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.”

Bianca already has a job lined up and plans to expand her career into military service as a dental hygienist in the reserves. Her long-term vision includes earning her RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

“It’s a milestone,” she said. “It took several years to get here, but I’m blessed with this opportunity — and I’m ready for what’s next.”

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WCU MHA Grad Earns Fellowship and Grant to Advance Healthcare Leadership

�� — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:14 +0000

For recent �� graduate Max L., the path to healthcare leadership has been anything but linear.

“I have always wanted to do management and then I was originally trying to do physical therapy,” Max explained. “I applied twice, and I didn’t get in both times.”

That redirection led him to ��’s Online Master of Health Administration program, and now he can shape the future of healthcare leadership.

Balancing Full-Time Work and Graduate School

Currently serving as a rehabilitation aide in Roseville, California, Max was recently named the 2024 recipient of the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant. The award provides up to $30,000 for graduate tuition, books, and fees, and secured Max a place in the highly competitive 2025-26 Sutter Health Administrative Fellowship cohort.

“I was able to look up different schools that allowed me to do school and work at the same time, [and be flexible] if I needed to accelerate it or flex it backwards and slow it down. I found this in ��.”

Max began his program in March 2024 while working full-time. The program’s flexibility allowed him to accelerate his studies and stay on track to graduate by June 2025, all while transitioning into new administrative roles at work.

Support from Faculty and a Busy Lifestyle

“I felt like I was able to keep up with the two classes at a time and still work 40 hours a week,” Max said. “At first, I was kind of like, ‘OK, am I going to have to cancel some stuff?’ because I also play on four softball teams and I travel a lot. I went to eight weddings last year and I was able to still get all the stuff done. It was a good experience to be continuously busy. I’ve always been super busy, and so I’m grateful that I was able to do that with ��’s online program.”

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant wasn’t just about funding, it was about opportunity.

“The administrative grant and fellowship… you have to be doing an accredited master’s program, you have to be working full-time, it had to be in health administration, a master’s in business or nursing,” Max said. “You had to get letters of recommendation, go through a Zoom interview with executives, and then an in-person interview in Sacramento. It was stressful, but it worked out.”

Preparing for a Healthcare Leadership Role

That process led to a life-changing next step.

“With the administrative fellowship, I get paired with one of the CEOs in the company for a year,” Max said. “I am going to be paired with the CEO of all surgery centers of Northern California for Sutter and work with a couple doctors and be a project manager. It’s a paid fellowship, and then on top of that I won the grant with it, and that covers $30,000 for school.”

Encouragement for Future Graduate Students

Max credits his ability to balance the demands of work, graduate school, and the fellowship process to the support he received from his professors and managers.

“The teachers have been great,” he said. “When I send them messages, they had time to respond and set something up. My jobs have been very flexible with allowing me to do some schoolwork and meetings. They’ve also understood this is a good career opportunity for me to build.”

Looking ahead, Max plans to use the Administrative Fellowship as a launching pad for his healthcare leadership career at his current workplace. For those considering advancing their education while working full-time, Max offers encouragement:

“A lot of people feel that they’re beyond going back to school and their window has sailed. It’s never too late,” Max said. “The thing I would definitely recommend is look at all the options available before just writing yourself off. There’s not one specific path for you to do one thing. And always be open to networking — talking to people about what they do and what you do, because you never know if they could help you.”

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WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling

�� — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:00:32 +0000

Savanna S., a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ��-Texas, didn’t just learn how to become a nurse — she discovered how to believe in herself, overcome fear, and thrive in a supportive academic environment.

Choosing a Nursing Career Despite Fear of Failure

Savanna began her nursing journey in January 2023, starting with general education courses before diving into her nursing core curriculum that August. Although passionate about healthcare, she admits the transition was intimidating.

“I think I was nervous because I was afraid to fail, like most students,” she said. “But that’s one of the biggest lessons I learned here — you need to fail so you can learn from those experiences.”

Her story reflects a powerful truth for many nursing students: growth comes not only from success but also from perseverance through setbacks.

Real-World Nursing Training in WCU-Texas Simulation Center

Savanna credits ��-Texas’ simulation center and clinical training resources for helping her develop hands-on skills and clinical confidence.

“The simulation center really makes you feel like you’re taking care of an actual patient,” she said. “It’s the best real-world, hands-on experience you can get.”

In addition to simulation labs, she took full advantage of tutoring services and support from WCU nursing instructors, helping her stay on track throughout the intensive BSN program.

Developing a Passion for Critical Care and Med-Surg Nursing

Through clinical rotations, Savanna discovered a strong interest in critical care nursing and medical-surgical (med-surg) nursing — high-pressure fields that demand quick thinking and compassionate care.

“Yes, it’s scary having a person’s life in your hands,” she said. “But I’m here, and I have the knowledge and information I need to help them.”

Supportive Nursing Cohort Helped Her Succeed

A key part of Savanna’s success came from the support she found within her nursing cohort — a tight-knit group of students who encouraged each other through exams, clinicals, and everyday challenges.

“It’s really important to have that support and be with a group that lifts you up,” she said. “Whether it was failing an exam or something we experienced at clinical — we talked through it and got through it together.”

What’s Next: Graduate Nursing School and CRNA Aspirations

Looking ahead, Savanna plans to continue her education by pursuing a master of science in nursing — with goals of becoming a nurse practitioner or applying to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program. She’s even considering returning to �� for graduate school.

“I love this place because they gave me an opportunity and an environment where I could become who I dreamed of being.”

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WCU Dental Hygiene Graduates Offer Advice, Inspiration, and Encouragement

�� — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:00:44 +0000

October marks National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to celebrate the professionals who work tirelessly to promote oral health and preventive care in our communities. At ��-Orange County, two recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program — Bianca C. and Freddy H. — are stepping into this important role with inspiring stories of perseverance, service, and ambition.

For Bianca, crossing the stage at the Honda Center was the culmination of more than a decade of persistence. After spending 12 years working as a dental assistant, she finally realized her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Her journey wasn’t without challenges — including supporting her mother during a battle with cancer — but she never wavered in her commitment.

“Life happens… but I’m happy to say that none of them stopped me,” she reflected.

Encouraged by a WCU graduate she once met in a clinic, Bianca chose �� for its accelerated format and bachelor’s degree pathway, which aligned perfectly with her long-term goals.

Bianca credits WCU’s hands-on learning environment for preparing her to thrive in the field. The simulation stations, she said, felt like running their own small dental practice, while the clinical experience taught her to work with confidence and precision. Beyond the classroom, she also embraced WCU’s focus on giving back, volunteering with the Elimination Foundation, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic, and even traveling to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need.

“Above all… it’s just so rewarding to give back to the community and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there’s a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,” she said.

Looking ahead, she is preparing to serve as a dental hygienist in the military reserves while also pursuing long-term goals of earning her RDHAP credential, becoming a dentist, and continuing to serve underserved communities.

Like Bianca, Freddy took a unique path into dental hygiene. After six years of active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the dental field — though the Marine Corps itself doesn’t offer dental or medical programs.

“I always wanted to do the dental field,” Freddy recalled. “We rely on the Navy for that. So either stay in or get out. I decided to get out and pursue my career in the dental field.”

His transition wasn’t immediate, but after completing online courses while overseas and exploring different programs, he eventually enrolled at �� in 2022.

For Freddy, WCU’s accelerated program and direct pathway into the dental hygiene curriculum made all the difference. It was also his first experience with in-person college, and he found himself thriving in the simulation labs and clinical rotations that gave him practical, hands-on skills. As a first-generation college student, he was motivated by the opportunity to make his parents proud.

“That was my motivation — going into college and being the first grad,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he admitted he wished he had started earlier but takes pride in achieving his bachelor’s degree and opening doors for his future.

Both graduates are quick to encourage others considering the field of dental hygiene. Bianca emphasizes resilience and determination: “Stay adaptable, open-minded, willing… and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult… but it’s so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you’re going to get your degree.” Freddy agrees, adding that while the program is rigorous, it more than prepares students for the realities of the profession. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing,” he said.

As they embark on the next chapters of their careers, Bianca and Freddy embody the spirit of National Dental Hygiene Month — a celebration not just of professional success, but of dedication to service, family, and community. Their stories remind us that behind every bright smile is a dental hygienist whose passion and perseverance make it possible.

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WCU PharmD Grad Reflects on Tight-Knit Community and Career Ahead

�� — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:00:28 +0000

Recent �� doctor of pharmacy graduate Victoria S. had considered nursing at one point — her family has strong ties to ��’s nursing program — but an internship in a Long Beach hospital helped her realize that wasn’t her path.

“I give nurses so much props for what they do, but I enjoy the clinical side of drugs and helping patients manage their medications,” she said.

“I started my pharmacy journey (with a major retail pharmacy chain) as a pharmacy technician, and I currently am still working for them,” she said. “They offered me a position after I graduated. I’m just waiting to take my boards and then I’m going to be a licensed pharmacist.”

It was her family’s experience with WCU that introduced her to the university. The availability of a Doctor of Pharmacy program sealed the deal.

“Because of the connections you have with your faculty… they’re more willing to push you towards your goals,” she said, noting the one-on-one professor time, and even weekend support from faculty.

She also found value in WCU’s peer mentorship system. “You can actually work with the cohort above you and have help from your peers, not just from faculty and student advisers,” she explained. That support — combined with her own perseverance — helped her navigate the program’s challenges.

For new students, Victoria’s advice is simple: Get involved.

“Join as much programs as you can,” she said, naming groups like ACCP, ASHP, CHS, PAA, PHA, and the professional pharmacy fraternity PDC. “It’s a way to connect with your cohorts, students above you, below you, and even alumni… you can be connected with so many people around the U.S.”

She also recommends gaining real-world experience while in school. “Maybe like 8 to 16 hours a week is good enough just for you to be able to apply the knowledge you learn in class to your actual day-to-day at work,” she said.

Victoria admits the journey can feel daunting at first. “It might seem rough in the beginning, but definitely just persevere. You got this,” she said. “Three years — it’s going to fly by, and you’re going to be so excited, you’re going to be here standing right here.”

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WCU BSHA Grad Balanced Family, Work, and School — And Sets Her Sights on Pharmacy School

�� — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:54:10 +0000

For Hilda S., earning her bachelor of science in health administration (BSHA) from �� wasn’t just a steppingstone, it was a major achievement in a life defined by determination and care for others.

“I’ve been a pharmacy tech for about 10 years now,” she said. “I love what I do. I work in a clinic, an oncology center… just trying to provide better patient care if I can in the middle of me trying to get my pharmacy degree.”

Hilda chose WCU for its flexibility, a key factor as she balanced two jobs, parenting, and full-time school.

“For people who have families, who have busy schedules, it’s more convenient,” she said. “You can do it at your pace, and you don’t have to worry about, ‘I have to be in class at this time.’ I enjoyed it.”

Her long-term plan is to enter PharmD school, ideally, at ��.

“That’s the goal,” she said. “It was more initially just to kind of get my degree and then see where I can go from there. But I love pharmacy, and I feel like I can’t leave it.”

Even with years of healthcare experience, the program still brought challenges mostly outside the classroom.

“It was more like my home life,” she said. “Trying to balance my kids, my schoolwork. I was working two jobs, going to school full-time. But the school being online it made it a lot easier.”

Despite never having stepped on a WCU campus, support from the faculty made a lasting impression on Hilda.

“I had a lot of instructors, even though I had never met them in person, they were there when I needed something,” she said. “When I would get overwhelmed and stressed, they were there to ease that stress.”

Her advice to future students is direct.

“Try to do it as early as you can,” she said. “And just find something that you love — because if you don’t love it, then you’re not going to do well in it.”

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