Student Lounge 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.”

The post Veteran and WCU Grad Sets Sights on Future in Dental Hygiene and Business appeared first on ��.

Roommates, Classmates, Teammates: MPA Students Find Family at WCU-Texas

�� — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000

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 ��-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.

“I wouldn’t change anything at all,” Kelly said. “It really… motivates me to get stuff done.”

Maxlyn agreed the arrangement made the hard days lighter.

“It has been really nice to be able to go home and know that I’m living with people who know what I’m going through,” 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 “their sunshine” on the worst day of their life — an encounter that stuck with her.

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

Kelly once planned on medical school before shadowing in an emergency trauma bay. “I saw a PA… put in a chest tube,” she said. “I didn’t know that PAs could do that… I researched more and was like wait that’s so cool.”

Campus Culture and Community at WCU Texas

Both said word-of-mouth and an on-campus visit sealed their decisions. “I remember walking in and meeting all these people and just feeling… at home,” Maxlyn said. Kelly echoed that the program’s culture starts with people like Taylor Allen in admissions. “She was just a light,” she said.

The two also praised the cohort’s diversity of experience and small-class feel. “Everyone has so many different experiences… everyone has their own niche,” 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.

“At the end of the day… if you really want to be here and you have the work ethic and the determination to get there you will,” Kelly said.

The post Roommates, Classmates, Teammates: MPA Students Find Family at WCU-Texas appeared first on ��.

WCU-Texas MPA Students Showcase Community-Based Research at Third Annual Capstone Symposium��

�� — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The ��-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’s 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.

“This year was the first year the projects were focused on and supported by local partners,” said Assistant Professor Jerrod T., who has led the Capstone Symposium since its inception in 2023. “Students 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.”

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

Growth, Confidence, and Professionalism

This year’s 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.

“The energy in the room was electric,” Katie said. “The faculty were beaming with pride, and students carried themselves with confidence and professionalism.”

Jerrod echoed the sentiment, noting how much the symposium has grown since its early days. “After the first year, we started collecting data and faculty feedback to improve each event,” he said. “This 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.”

Research That Reaches Beyond the Classroom

Each capstone project reflects the MPA program’s 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.

“These 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,” 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. “We need more strong clinicians comfortable doing hands-on research,” he said. “My hope is that through this project, some of these students will continue research in their future practice.”

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2025 puts the finishing touches on their capstone papers, they’re 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.

“The symposium is the pinnacle event where we get to highlight the hands-on experiences the students have had with our community partners,” Jerrod said. “Our 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’m all for it.”

The post WCU-Texas MPA Students Showcase Community-Based Research at Third Annual Capstone Symposium�� appeared first on ��.

WCU-Ontario Students Connect with Library Services at Campus Event��

�� — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

More than 160 ��-Ontario students enjoyed games, food, and giveaways while also learning about the wide range of services available through WCU’s Library.

“Our goal was to showcase the library and remind students that we’re here to help,” said WCU librarian Nalini S. “Sometimes students are shy or unsure about asking questions, but events like this make it easier to connect.”

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.

“Some students didn’t know about the Virtual Academic Resource Center or that we have dedicated tutoring services,” Nalini S. explained. “Others were surprised to learn about the wonderful databases available to help with their research and assignments.”

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

Nalini S.’s advice for students is straightforward: “Always come to the library’s website first. You’re going to find what you’re looking for. And if you can’t, ask the librarian. That’s why we encourage appointments, so students can get to know their sources in more depth.”

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

The post WCU-Ontario Students Connect with Library Services at Campus Event�� appeared first on ��.

WCU-Ontario BSN Student Honored with DAISY Award for Curiosity and Dedication��

�� — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

��-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.��

Reflecting on that moment, Matthew said, “Honestly, 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 ‘dumb question’ because I know there are others who may have the same question.”

Matthew’s journey into nursing began with his military medical training, but it wasn’t until his personal experience as a Trauma ICU patient that he truly realized his calling.

“I remember that my nurses were always at my bedside taking care of me,” he shared. “The 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.”

When asked why he chose WCU-Ontario, Matthew explained, “I 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.”��

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

“Being able to ask questions in class and apply them directly in the emergency department helps me better understand what’s happening to my patients,” he said.

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

“The most daunting challenge for me is maintaining balance in my life,” he shared. “My 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.”

For students about to begin their clinicals, Matthew offers advice: “Be open-minded, always volunteer to help with tasks you’re unfamiliar with, and ask questions. You will never know everything, but staying curious will help you grow.”

The post WCU-Ontario BSN Student Honored with DAISY Award for Curiosity and Dedication�� appeared first on ��.

��-Ontario Students Take on Mass Casualty Simulation��

�� — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:15:31 +0000

��-Ontario recently created an impressive real-life simulation for nursing students, with a mass casualty event replication that provided the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge base in an experiential environment.��

Learning in Real Time��

WCU-Ontario Simulation faculty Gabriel G. wanted to use his emergency room background to create a truly unique experience for nursing students that went beyond the simulation lab setting. He collaborated with WCU-Ontario Simulation Center manager Rochelle M. to develop potential scenarios for students that are aligned with WCU’s guidelines and curriculum standards.

“With Gabriel’s 25 years of background in ER, planning this was right up his alley,” Rochelle said. “He took on the organization of this event and we worked closely together to ensure the content was at an appropriate level for these student learners.”

From Parking Lot to Patient Care��

After reviewing the potential scenarios, the team decided to construct an automobile accident scenario in the campus parking lot that also extended into the simulation lab — working with their colleague Simulation Center Specialist Jose C., to develop a real-life replication. It was decided the best students to navigate this experience were those in 498L Integration of Nursing Practices, the culminating nursing practicum course designed to prepare students for the real work environment of an RN.

“I started my career as an EMT and loved the challenge behind it,” Gabriel said. “I wanted to give the students something that was truly different. While not everyone wants to pursue an ER career, skills like communication are developed during these experiences — which are critical to their success as healthcare professionals.”

The simulation team prepared for the event with a couple of dry runs, as the associates had to leverage quite a bit of technology. Several other faculty members and support staff helped execute everything, as well. Everyone had a role to play — from doctors to accident victim patients. An instructor with a microphone even “talked” as a patient, responding to nursing students and helping create a simulation that worked in the parking lot just as it does inside the simulation lab.

Building Confidence for the Real World��

Gabriel admits the mass casualty event scenario took lots of work and creativity, but students had nothing but positive feedback to share. Several even asked when they’ll be doing a similar event on campus.

“We all walked in thinking it was going to be another regular sim, not that the first group would end up in the parking lot for a mass casualty incident,” said Alejandra C, a WCU-Ontario BSN student. “It really tested us — thinking on our feet, being quick with our assessments, and identifying our next move. It was nice to have something different. This felt a lot more fast-paced, like we all had to do something new.”

A ‘Nursing Imagineer’ at Work��

With some students in the parking lot and others handling or observing patients in the simulation lab, the Simulation team was able to create the full scope of a mass casualty event. Students took turns caring for patients and observing the activities both inside and outside. As a WCU alumni, Gabriel also wanted to ensure students felt safe and prepared, and prioritized their psychological safety, as well.

Due to the immense success of this event, the team is already preparing to develop similar simulations for students. The experience not only gives them a look at what it’s like to work in a hospital setting but also helps them test their knowledge in novel ways.

“The university provides such great resources for us, and it was great to leverage it,” Rochelle said. “As a former faculty member, I liked being encouraged to do new and creative things to help students learn. As a manager, I like supporting our faculty to do these types of events.”

The post ��-Ontario Students Take on Mass Casualty Simulation�� appeared first on ��.

Coming Together for Texas: WCU-Texas Raises Over $5,700 for Flood Relief��

�� — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:00:29 +0000

When disaster strikes, strong communities rise together. Last month, ��-Texas campus partnered with the WCU Foundation to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those impacted by the devastating Texas floods. Every dollar raised by students and associates was matched by the WCU Foundation, doubling the impact and turning compassion into real relief for local families.

From July 21–25, the WCU-Texas campus united in a week-long effort to benefit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a public charitable foundation that channels resources directly to local nonprofits helping residents recover. This was more than a fundraiser — it was a show of solidarity with our neighbors.

The campus came to together with purpose as students, associates, and community partners worked together to support the region’s recovery:

Tuesday Jeans Day: Staff and faculty proudly donated to wear denim sparking conversations about the cause while raising funds.��

Popcorn and Prizes: Students enjoyed treats and the chance to win WCU gear, turning small contributions into a big collective impact.��

A Boost from Café Moore: The campus coffee shop stepped up with a generous $1,000 donation, setting the tone for the week.��

By the week’s end, more than $2,800 had been raised online through the WCU Foundation. Thanks to the WCU Philanthropy department’s dollar-for-dollar match, the total impact grew to over $5,700 — funds that will help families rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and bring a sense of normalcy back to the Texas Hill Country.

“This is what the WCU spirit is all about — community, compassion, and action,” WCU-Texas executive director Mitch Thomas said. “We are proud to stand alongside local leaders and organizations working tirelessly to restore our community.”

The post Coming Together for Texas: WCU-Texas Raises Over $5,700 for Flood Relief�� appeared first on ��.

WCU Graduates Step into the Future at Summer Commencement 2025��

�� — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

�� celebrated its Summer 2025 commencement this June, as graduates filled the Honda Center in Anaheim for a day of recognition and reflection. The ceremonies honored students from WCU’s online and on-campus programs, including advanced degrees and bachelor’s programs including nursing, dental hygiene, pharmacy, and healthcare administration.

WCU-Center for Graduate Studies pharmacy graduate Victoria S. found her passion in a close-knit cohort and faculty-driven program. She encourages students to join clubs, gain work experience, and trust the process.

“We are at the Honda Center and we are graduating,” Victoria, who transitioned into pharmacy after working as a pharmacy technician, said. “It’s the last day. We made it. I’m so excited. These past four years have been worth it.”

Bianca C., who earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from WCU-Orange County, overcame family hardships while shifting from dental assisting to preventive care. She now hopes to serve her community through education and clinical outreach.

“It is a milestone, and it took several years to get here. I was excited to finally be blessed with this opportunity,” Bianca said.

Freddy H., a Marine Corps veteran and BSDH graduate from WCU-OC, brought discipline and heart to his new career in dental hygiene and credits WCU’s accelerated, hands-on program for preparing him to serve patients confidently.

“It is a rigorous program,” Freddy H. said. “They do overprepare you, but that’s a good thing… West Coast did a great job in preparing future hygienists to be out there and help patients in the real world.”

WCU DNP graduate Anthony P. focused his doctoral work on supporting nurses dealing with burnout. He credited WCU’s flexibility and encouragement for helping him achieve each milestone.

“I am a living testament. I was a VN graduate from American Career College and then I went to get my BSN at ��, got my masters in nurse practitioner in psychiatric at ��, and then went back to get my DNP. So, it is very possible,” Anthony said.

Max L. juggled a full-time job with his studies, completing the online MHA program in just one year and preparing to step into a leadership fellowship.

“I was able to finish in the year that I was wanting to, started my new job in a month, and I was able to kind of prove to myself that I was able to finish it in a year and still work full-time,” Max said.

WCU-Ontario BSN graduate Greg D. entered nursing in his 30s after supporting individuals with special needs and finding inspiration in his father’s ICU experience. He praised the university’s clinical preparation and encouraged future nurses to follow the profession for the right reasons.

“When you actually do good work and you actually heal people, being of service to others is… the best human experience,” Greg said.

JLisia B., a former speech-language pathology assistant, was driven by her father’s stroke to return to school and serve geriatric patients. WCU’s online MSLP programs offered the support she couldn’t find elsewhere.

“To be here today after the countless amount of times that I said, ‘Oh I don’t want to do this anymore, I can’t do it, I can’t do it’ — it’s great,” JLisia said.

With every hug, tassel turn, and tear shed, WCU’s Summer 2025 graduates showed the power of persistence, purpose, and a community that believes in every student’s potential.

The post WCU Graduates Step into the Future at Summer Commencement 2025�� appeared first on ��.

WCU Twin Sisters from-Los Angeles Shine as Volunteers at Cedars-Sinai��

�� — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Identical twins Zoie and Midori P., 20, are not only students at ��-Los Angeles, they’re also two of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s youngest and most dedicated volunteers.

Their inspiring story recently captured attention during National Volunteer Week and was featured by NBC 4 News and local , proudly highlighting their connection to ��.

Currently pursuing their bachelor of science in nursing degree at WCU-LA, Zoie and Midori are supplementing their classroom learning with hands-on experience as part of Cedars-Sinai’s Transforming Care at the Bedside (TCAB) program. The initiative allows aspiring healthcare professionals to gain firsthand exposure to nursing roles, providing opportunities to work alongside clinical teams and connect directly with patients.��

Despite the challenges of a rigorous academic schedule, the sisters rise before dawn — waking at 3:30 a.m. in their Torrance home — to make it to Cedars-Sinai by 5 a.m. for their volunteer shift.

“They give of themselves incredibly,” Cedars-Sinai volunteer services director Michele Prince��said. “They’re getting up way before dawn and coming all the way here to serve the hospital.”��

On separate nursing floors, Zoie and Midori assist with essential tasks such as stocking supplies, preparing workstations, and responding to patient needs. But for them, the experience is more than just volunteer work — it’s a calling.

“It doesn’t even feel like a job or a duty,” Zoie said. “It makes us feel good to be here every time.”

Despite the sisters’ alarms going off before the sun rises, they are continually reminded of their mission to serve others in need at the hospital.

“They are here and they need our help,” Midori explained.

The sisters, often mistaken for one another in their matching uniforms, have become familiar and beloved faces on their respective floors. While they embrace the occasional mix-up, they’re quick to clarify identities:

“I make sure to say, ‘I’m Midori, and I have a twin named Zoie,’” Midori laughed.

Their time as volunteers is not only building their clinical confidence, but also nurturing a compassionate, patient-centered mindset.

“I love going into patient rooms and asking how they are doing and if they need anything,” Zoie said.

“I’m pretty sure it’s going to help me be more resilient and more attentive to patient needs,” Midori said.

As they continue their nursing education at WCU-Los Angeles, the sisters dream of returning to Cedars-Sinai as registered nurses.

“There are 1,200 Cedars-Sinai employees who were once volunteers,” Prince noted. “And perhaps Zoie and Midori will be among them one day.”

The post WCU Twin Sisters from-Los Angeles Shine as Volunteers at Cedars-Sinai�� appeared first on ��.

��-Ontario Nursing Leadership Hosts Meet & Greet��

�� — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Each term, the Nursing leadership team at ��-Ontario hosts a Meet & Greet event, providing students with the opportunity to connect with faculty and leaders in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This term’s event featured cookies and milk and welcomed special guests Dean of Academics Dr. Chamberlain, and Dr. Dashti, Associate Dean of Academics. Students engaged in casual conversations with their academic leaders, helping to put faces to names and build stronger connections.

“The Meet and Greet events are hosted by nursing leadership and we invite a leader from another department to join every term. This provides a more casual environment to talk with students, meet them where they are and have fun,” WCU-Ontario Dean of Nursing Amie Howard shared.��

Howard noted the positive impact of the events, adding, “It’s been very refreshing to get out of the office and engage with our students. It gives students an opportunity to put a name to a face and get to know campus leaders beyond email. We hope over time, this will create a better sense of belonging and culture of togetherness for students.”��

For many students, the event served as a chance to engage with leadership outside the typical classroom setting, breaking down barriers and fostering stronger relationships.

“The genuine surprise and joy students showed when engaging with us really stood out. Interactions between students and Deans are usually formal and structured, so having the chance to connect in a relaxed, social setting was refreshing. It allowed us to get to know our students better—and gave them a chance to see a different side of their Nursing Leadership Team,” WCU-Ontario Associate Director of Nursing Kevin Aquino shared.��

The Nursing Leadership team looks forward to continuing these events each term to strengthen connections and support student engagement.

The post ��-Ontario Nursing Leadership Hosts Meet & Greet�� appeared first on ��.

Student Lounge Archives | ��������