News Archives | 国产主播 110+ years in education. 50,000 alumni across the globe. Infinite opportunities. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:15:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-favicon-32x32.png News Archives | 国产主播 32 32 Working Mom Turned Life Experience into Career Success as Texas Nurse聽 /blog/working-mom-turned-life-experience-into-career-success-as-texas-nurse Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 /?p=27705

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.  鈥淎s a mother, a wife, and an employee, we also […]

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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. 

鈥淎s a mother, a wife, and an employee, we also need to be recognized,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 believe this field of nursing and wanting to pursue your career in nursing 鈥 there is a place for us.鈥 

That place, for her, was 国产主播-Texas, where she leaned into a strong support system and found her confidence. 鈥淭he foundation was fitting into West Coast, and I fit in perfect here,鈥 Debbie Lee said. 鈥淚 got the support that I needed here to fulfill my dreams and my children鈥檚 dreams.鈥 

From Clinicals to Confidence 

Debbie Lee鈥檚 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. 

鈥淚n the beginning, SIM was like, 鈥極K, this is so weird,鈥欌 she said with a laugh. 鈥淏ut 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鈥檓 at clinicals, I move like an expert.鈥 

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

鈥淚 said to myself, 鈥業鈥檓 going to step out and I鈥檓 going to be Debbie, and I鈥檓 going to be bold,鈥欌 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. 

鈥淚t didn鈥檛 feel like an interview,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t was more like she鈥檚 getting to know me.鈥 

Looking Ahead 

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

鈥淵ou may not see it right now,鈥 she said, 鈥渂ut the support is there every step of the way.鈥 

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Recent 国产主播 BSN Graduate Bring History of Goodwill to ICU as Nurse聽 /blog/recent-west-coast-university-bsn-graduate-bring-history-of-goodwill-to-icu-as-nurse Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000 /?p=28683

For Greg D., graduating with his bachelor of science in nursing from 国产主播-Ontario marks the end of a three-and-a-half-year journey and the start of a new chapter in healthcare.  Greg鈥檚 path to nursing wasn鈥檛 traditional. Before entering the field, he worked as a supervisor at Goodwill, supporting individuals with special needs. 鈥淭hey really […]

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

Greg鈥檚 path to nursing wasn鈥檛 traditional. Before entering the field, he worked as a supervisor at Goodwill, supporting individuals with special needs. 鈥淭hey really liked me. I really liked just the whole environment of caring 鈥 being of service to others,鈥 he said. His father鈥檚 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 国产主播, Greg earned his certified nursing assistant license, gaining hands-on patient care experience. 鈥淩ight when I started West Coast, I got my CNA license and then that鈥檚 when I was like, OK, this is what I want to do,鈥欌 he said.聽

For Greg, the best part of nursing is the connection with patients. 鈥淏eing of service to others is the best human experience, in my opinion,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hen you actually do good work and heal people鈥 they show their gratitude, and you understand what they鈥檙e going through.鈥 

Not every subject came easily: OB, for example, was a challenge. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even know what a trimester was,鈥 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 国产主播鈥檚 accelerated pace for students looking to make a career change. 鈥淚 recommend it to my co-workers all the time, especially if you鈥檙e a lot older,鈥 he said. 鈥淓specially for the accelerated way to go.鈥 

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. 鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be hard,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t was a big sacrifice on lifestyle鈥 I had to stop hanging out with certain people, stop watching TV. Definitely a big lifestyle change.鈥 

His advice for future nurses is straightforward: 鈥淒on鈥檛 do it for the money. The ones that don鈥檛 like nursing live more miserably. You can do this 鈥 it鈥檚 worth it.鈥 

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WCU-Orange County Grad Channeled a Dozen Years of Experience into Dental Hygiene Career /blog/wcu-orange-county-grad-channeled-a-dozen-years-of-experience-into-dental-hygiene-career Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:00:08 +0000 /?p=28410

Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother鈥檚 battle with cancer, but recent 国产主播 graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal. 鈥淟ife happens鈥 but I鈥檓 happy to say that none of them stopped me,鈥 she said. After spending the past 12 years working as a dental assistant […]

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Life threw its share of challenges along the way, including her mother鈥檚 battle with cancer, but recent 国产主播 graduate Bianca C. never lost sight of her goal.

鈥淟ife happens鈥 but I鈥檓 happy to say that none of them stopped me,鈥 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 国产主播-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. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no time like now to鈥 finish my degree and do dental hygiene,鈥 she recalled. While she considered other programs, 国产主播鈥檚 accelerated format and bachelor鈥檚 degree option aligned perfectly with her long-term ambitions.

Bianca praised the program鈥檚 hands-on approach, including simulation stations that mimicked real dental hygiene stations. 鈥淚t was kind of like having our own little practice鈥 we were able to cultivate our own environment in that cohesive unit,鈥 she said.

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

Her advice to future dental hygiene students is straightforward: 鈥淪tay adaptable, open-minded, willing鈥 and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult鈥 but it鈥檚 so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you鈥檙e going to get your degree.鈥

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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a milestone,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t took several years to get here, but I鈥檓 blessed with this opportunity 鈥 and I鈥檓 ready for what鈥檚 next.鈥

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WCU MHA Grad Earns Fellowship and Grant to Advance Healthcare Leadership聽 /blog/wcu-mha-grad-earns-fellowship-and-grant-to-advance-healthcare-leadership Wed, 19 Nov 2025 17:00:14 +0000 /?p=28694

For recent 国产主播 graduate Max L., the path to healthcare leadership has been anything but linear.  鈥淚 have always wanted to do management and then I was originally trying to do physical therapy,鈥 Max explained. 鈥淚 applied twice, and I didn鈥檛 get in both times.鈥  That redirection led him to 国产主播鈥檚 […]

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

鈥淚 have always wanted to do management and then I was originally trying to do physical therapy,鈥 Max explained. 鈥淚 applied twice, and I didn鈥檛 get in both times.鈥 

That redirection led him to 国产主播鈥檚 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. 

鈥淚 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 国产主播.鈥 

Max began his program in March 2024 while working full-time. The program鈥檚 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 

鈥淚 felt like I was able to keep up with the two classes at a time and still work 40 hours a week,鈥 Max said. 鈥淎t first, I was kind of like, 鈥極K, am I going to have to cancel some stuff?鈥 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鈥檝e always been super busy, and so I鈥檓 grateful that I was able to do that with 国产主播鈥檚 online program.鈥 

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant 

Winning the Patrick E. Fry Administrative Fellowship Grant wasn鈥檛 just about funding, it was about opportunity. 

鈥淭he administrative grant and fellowship鈥 you have to be doing an accredited master鈥檚 program, you have to be working full-time, it had to be in health administration, a master鈥檚 in business or nursing,鈥 Max said. 鈥淵ou 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.鈥 

Preparing for a Healthcare Leadership Role 

That process led to a life-changing next step. 

鈥淲ith the administrative fellowship, I get paired with one of the CEOs in the company for a year,鈥 Max said. 鈥淚 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鈥檚 a paid fellowship, and then on top of that I won the grant with it, and that covers $30,000 for school.鈥 

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. 

鈥淭he teachers have been great,鈥 he said. 鈥淲hen 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鈥檝e also understood this is a good career opportunity for me to build.鈥 

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: 

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

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Roommates, Classmates, Teammates: MPA Students Find Family at WCU-Texas /blog/roommates-classmates-teammates-mpa-students-find-family-at-wcu-texas Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000 /?p=28673

Built-In Support Through Roommates What started as a housing scramble quickly became a support system that keeps Kelly T. and Maxlyn S. grounded through the intensity of the Master of Physician Assistant program. The two 国产主播-Texas MPA students, who met through a GroupMe spreadsheet before ever stepping on campus, now share not only […]

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Built-In Support Through Roommates

What started as a housing scramble quickly became a support system that keeps Kelly T. and Maxlyn S. grounded through the intensity of the Master of Physician Assistant program. The two 国产主播-Texas MPA students, who met through a GroupMe spreadsheet before ever stepping on campus, now share not only an apartment but also study sessions, clinical goals, and even matching sweatshirts.

鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 change anything at all,鈥 Kelly said. 鈥淚t really鈥 motivates me to get stuff done.鈥

Maxlyn agreed the arrangement made the hard days lighter.

鈥淚t has been really nice to be able to go home and know that I鈥檓 living with people who know what I鈥檓 going through,鈥 she said.

Why They Chose the PA Path

Maxlyn said she always wanted to be in healthcare and discovered the PA role after a patient told her she was 鈥渢heir sunshine鈥 on the worst day of their life 鈥 an encounter that stuck with her.

鈥淚 just fell in love with the PA program because you can really spend a lot of time with your patients,鈥 she said.

Kelly once planned on medical school before shadowing in an emergency trauma bay. 鈥淚 saw a PA鈥 put in a chest tube,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know that PAs could do that鈥 I researched more and was like wait that鈥檚 so cool.鈥

Campus Culture and Community at WCU Texas

Both said word-of-mouth and an on-campus visit sealed their decisions. 鈥淚 remember walking in and meeting all these people and just feeling鈥 at home,鈥 Maxlyn said. Kelly echoed that the program鈥檚 culture starts with people like Taylor Allen in admissions. 鈥淪he was just a light,鈥 she said.

The two also praised the cohort鈥檚 diversity of experience and small-class feel. 鈥淓veryone has so many different experiences鈥 everyone has their own niche,鈥 Kelly said.

Career Goals After Graduation

Kelly said she hoped to practice in a small town and give back to an underserved community, possibly in ER or family medicine. Maxlyn, who minored in nutrition, said she wanted to elevate nutritional literacy among patients and peers. Both lit up talking about PA Week, clinical match day, and representing WCU at competitions.

鈥淎t the end of the day鈥 if you really want to be here and you have the work ethic and the determination to get there you will,鈥 Kelly said.

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WCU-Texas BSN Graduate Went From Fear to Fulfillment to Find Her Calling聽 /blog/wcu-texas-bsn-graduate-went-from-fear-to-fulfillment-to-find-her-calling Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:00:32 +0000 /?p=27575

Savanna S., a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at 国产主播-Texas, didn鈥檛 just learn how to become a nurse 鈥 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 […]

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Savanna S., a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at 国产主播-Texas, didn鈥檛 just learn how to become a nurse 鈥 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. 

鈥淚 think I was nervous because I was afraid to fail, like most students,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 one of the biggest lessons I learned here 鈥 you need to fail so you can learn from those experiences.鈥 

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 国产主播-Texas鈥 simulation center and clinical training resources for helping her develop hands-on skills and clinical confidence. 

鈥淭he simulation center really makes you feel like you’re taking care of an actual patient,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the best real-world, hands-on experience you can get.鈥 

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.聽

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 鈥 high-pressure fields that demand quick thinking and compassionate care. 

鈥淵es, it鈥檚 scary having a person鈥檚 life in your hands,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 here, and I have the knowledge and information I need to help them.鈥 

Supportive Nursing Cohort Helped Her Succeed 

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

鈥淚t鈥檚 really important to have that support and be with a group that lifts you up,鈥 she said. 鈥淲hether it was failing an exam or something we experienced at clinical 鈥 we talked through it and got through it together.鈥 

What鈥檚 Next: Graduate Nursing School and CRNA Aspirations 

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

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

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WCU-Texas MPA Students Showcase Community-Based Research at Third Annual Capstone Symposium聽 /blog/wcu-texas-mpa-students-showcase-community-based-research-at-third-annual-capstone-symposium Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000 /?p=29003

The 国产主播-Texas MPA program recently hosted its third annual Capstone Symposium, celebrating the achievements of students completing their clinical-year research projects. The event highlighted the program鈥檚 growing partnerships with local healthcare organizations and showcased the next generation of compassionate, evidence-driven providers.  Bridging Research and Real-World Impact  What began as a student-led research showcase […]

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The 国产主播-Texas MPA program recently hosted its third annual Capstone Symposium, celebrating the achievements of students completing their clinical-year research projects. The event highlighted the program鈥檚 growing partnerships with local healthcare organizations and showcased the next generation of compassionate, evidence-driven providers. 

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact 

What began as a student-led research showcase three years ago has now evolved into a statewide collaboration. For the first time, each student project was supported by local community partners, known as Capstone Sites, allowing students to address real healthcare needs across Texas. 

鈥淭his year was the first year the projects were focused on and supported by local partners,鈥 said Assistant Professor Jerrod T., who has led the Capstone Symposium since its inception in 2023. 鈥淪tudents worked through a needs assessment and helped their sites answer specific questions or collect data on topics that were of dual interest to both the students and the site.鈥 

Assistant Professor Katie D. emphasized how this shift deepened student learning and community engagement. 鈥淭oday, we intentionally collaborate with our clinical partners to develop projects that foster meaningful partnerships and address real needs within our communities,鈥 she said. 

Growth, Confidence, and Professionalism 

This year鈥檚 symposium featured 46 students, divided into small groups, each presenting their findings to faculty, peers, and local site representatives. The projects represented a diverse range of research areas, from diabetes education in minority populations to emerging studies in venom-based treatments. 

鈥淭he energy in the room was electric,鈥 Katie said. 鈥淭he faculty were beaming with pride, and students carried themselves with confidence and professionalism.鈥 

Jerrod echoed the sentiment, noting how much the symposium has grown since its early days. 鈥淎fter the first year, we started collecting data and faculty feedback to improve each event,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his year, we had more campus staff, faculty, and students attend, and we even added a Zoom component so family, friends, and site supervisors could join in virtually.鈥 

Research That Reaches Beyond the Classroom 

Each capstone project reflects the MPA program鈥檚 mission of hands-on, community-centered learning. Students developed their research questions, obtained IRB approval, and collected and analyzed data; all while working alongside clinical partners throughout Texas. 

鈥淭hese projects provide valuable data and insights that help clinical sites identify gaps in care, implement quality improvements, and strengthen partnerships between the program and local healthcare systems,鈥 Katie explained. 

One highlight came from a student who presented research on a childhood disease they personally live with – connecting personal experience with professional passion. 

For Jerrod, that connection between research and compassion is what the event is all about. 鈥淲e need more strong clinicians comfortable doing hands-on research,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y hope is that through this project, some of these students will continue research in their future practice.鈥 

Looking Ahead 

As the Class of 2025 puts the finishing touches on their capstone papers, they鈥檙e also preparing to enter the workforce. Jerrod and Katie both hope the event inspired the Class of 2026, who volunteered during the symposium, to carry forward the same spirit of inquiry and service. 

鈥淭he symposium is the pinnacle event where we get to highlight the hands-on experiences the students have had with our community partners,鈥 Jerrod said. 鈥淥ur students are the hands and feet of healthcare in the community and surrounding areas. If I can help be part of that through the Capstone project, I鈥檓 all for it.鈥 

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WCU Dental Hygiene Graduates Offer Advice, Inspiration, and Encouragement /blog/wcu-dental-hygiene-graduates-offer-advice-inspiration-and-encouragement Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:00:44 +0000 /?p=28413

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 国产主播-Orange County, two recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program 鈥 Bianca C. and Freddy H. 鈥 are stepping into this important role […]

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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 国产主播-Orange County, two recent graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program 鈥 Bianca C. and Freddy H. 鈥 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鈥檛 without challenges 鈥 including supporting her mother during a battle with cancer 鈥 but she never wavered in her commitment.

鈥淟ife happens鈥 but I鈥檓 happy to say that none of them stopped me,鈥 she reflected.

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

Bianca credits WCU鈥檚 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鈥檚 focus on giving back, volunteering with the Elimination Foundation, the Children鈥檚 Dental Health Clinic, and even traveling to Catalina Island to provide care for children in need.

鈥淎bove all鈥 it鈥檚 just so rewarding to give back to the community and educate our patients on oral health diseases and how there鈥檚 a correlation between the systemic body and the oral cavity,鈥 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 鈥 though the Marine Corps itself doesn鈥檛 offer dental or medical programs.

鈥淚 always wanted to do the dental field,鈥 Freddy recalled. 鈥淲e 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.鈥

His transition wasn鈥檛 immediate, but after completing online courses while overseas and exploring different programs, he eventually enrolled at 国产主播 in 2022.

For Freddy, WCU鈥檚 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.

鈥淭hat was my motivation 鈥 going into college and being the first grad,鈥 he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he admitted he wished he had started earlier but takes pride in achieving his bachelor鈥檚 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: 鈥淪tay adaptable, open-minded, willing鈥 and never stop working hard for the dreams you showed up for. Every single day is going to be difficult鈥 but it鈥檚 so rewarding to know that at the end of it, you鈥檙e going to get your degree.鈥 Freddy agrees, adding that while the program is rigorous, it more than prepares students for the realities of the profession. 鈥淭hey do overprepare you, but that鈥檚 a good thing,鈥 he said.

As they embark on the next chapters of their careers, Bianca and Freddy embody the spirit of National Dental Hygiene Month 鈥 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-Ontario Students Connect with Library Services at Campus Event聽 /blog/wcu-ontario-students-connect-with-library-services-at-campus-event Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000 /?p=28243

More than 160 国产主播-Ontario students enjoyed games, food, and giveaways while also learning about the wide range of services available through WCU鈥檚 Library.  鈥淥ur goal was to showcase the library and remind students that we鈥檙e here to help,鈥 said WCU librarian Nalini S. 鈥淪ometimes students are shy or unsure about asking questions, but […]

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More than 160 国产主播-Ontario students enjoyed games, food, and giveaways while also learning about the wide range of services available through WCU鈥檚 Library. 

鈥淥ur goal was to showcase the library and remind students that we鈥檙e here to help,鈥 said WCU librarian Nalini S. 鈥淪ometimes students are shy or unsure about asking questions, but events like this make it easier to connect.鈥 

Enticing students with a prize wheel and free donuts, Nalini was joined by fellow WCU librarians Lauren M., Ka C., and Marie M., who all played a key role in welcoming students, answering questions, and guiding them toward helpful resources. Many students said they were surprised to discover just how many tools they already had at their fingertips. 

鈥淪ome students didn鈥檛 know about the Virtual Academic Resource Center or that we have dedicated tutoring services,鈥 Nalini S. explained. 鈥淥thers were surprised to learn about the wonderful databases available to help with their research and assignments.鈥 

Accessible directly through the Canvas course menu, WCU Library site serves as the central hub for student resources, including: 

  • A-to-Z Databases: Access eBooks, peer-reviewed articles, drug guides, medical information, and nursing resources.聽
  • APA Help Guides: Step-by-step support for formatting and citing papers.聽
  • Virtual Academic Resource Center (VARC): Tutoring and practice tools for writing, math, science, and nursing coursework. Includes a Nursing Course Center with:聽
    • Practice exams 
    • Medical terminology help 
    • Morphology resources 
  • Webinars, Tutorials, and Study Tools: Videos, flashcards, and live support to strengthen skills.聽
  • Nurse Academic Specialists (NAS Team): Located across campuses, including Ontario, Los Angeles, and Texas, to support nursing students in NCLEX preparation. 

Nalini S.鈥檚 advice for students is straightforward: 鈥淎lways come to the library鈥檚 website first. You鈥檙e going to find what you鈥檙e looking for. And if you can鈥檛, ask the librarian. That鈥檚 why we encourage appointments, so students can get to know their sources in more depth.鈥 

With new events planned across other campuses, Nalini S. hopes even more students will take advantage of the library鈥檚 resources. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of information, but the library is here to guide you through it all.鈥 

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WCU-Ontario BSN Student Honored with DAISY Award for Curiosity and Dedication聽 /blog/wcu-ontario-bsn-student-honored-with-daisy-award-for-curiosity-and-dedication Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000 /?p=27726

国产主播-Ontario nursing student Matthew L. was recently honored with the DAISY Award, recognizing his curiosity, willingness to learn, and positive influence on those around him. Unaware that he had been nominated, Matthew was both surprised and humbled when he received the award.聽聽 Reflecting on that moment, Matthew said, 鈥淗onestly, I have no idea […]

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国产主播-Ontario nursing student Matthew L. was recently honored with the recognizing his curiosity, willingness to learn, and positive influence on those around him. Unaware that he had been nominated, Matthew was both surprised and humbled when he received the award.聽聽

Reflecting on that moment, Matthew said, 鈥淗onestly, I have no idea why I was nominated. In my head, I was just asking and answering questions to test my own knowledge. I have no problem with asking a 鈥榙umb question鈥 because I know there are others who may have the same question.鈥 

Matthew鈥檚 journey into nursing began with his military medical training, but it wasn鈥檛 until his personal experience as a Trauma ICU patient that he truly realized his calling.  

鈥淚 remember that my nurses were always at my bedside taking care of me,鈥 he shared. 鈥淭he doctors were involved, but I saw my nurses more than anyone else. I realized that nursing was my true calling after going through my own recovery and physical therapy.鈥 

When asked why he chose WCU-Ontario, Matthew explained, 鈥淚 have multiple friends and colleagues who went through the nursing program. WCU was always mentioned because of its advanced BSN program and high NCLEX passing rate.鈥澛

Throughout his nursing school journey, Matthew鈥檚 favorite aspect has been applying his knowledge as an emergency department technician.  

鈥淏eing able to ask questions in class and apply them directly in the emergency department helps me better understand what鈥檚 happening to my patients,鈥 he said. 

Balancing family, work, and school has been one of Matthew鈥檚 greatest challenges.  

鈥淭he most daunting challenge for me is maintaining balance in my life,鈥 he shared. 鈥淢y son and wife are my motivation to keep pushing through the long days of studying, classes, or clinicals. I am doing this to provide for my family and show them that anything is possible.鈥 

For students about to begin their clinicals, Matthew offers advice: 鈥淏e open-minded, always volunteer to help with tasks you鈥檙e unfamiliar with, and ask questions. You will never know everything, but staying curious will help you grow.鈥 

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