From California to New Careers: WCU Students Embrace Leap to Texas and Miami

�� — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Making the decision to move across the country for school isn’t easy — but for three �� nursing students, relocating from California opened doors to opportunity, community, and rewarding careers in healthcare. Their journeys to Texas and Florida show how the right environment can help future nurses thrive.

Courtney’s Journey: From Compton to WCU-Texas

After more than a decade as a licensed vocational nurse, Courtney W. felt called to take the next step in her nursing career. That meant leaving Compton, California, and moving to Texas with her daughter to earn her bachelor of science in nursing at WCU-Texas.

“I gave up everything in California and came to Texas, me and my daughter,” Courtney shared. “The support, the resources, if I was struggling with any type of topic, the teachers were right there ready to help me. I knew why I came to Texas. I came for education.”

Her move paid off. Through clinical experience and dedicated faculty mentorship, Courtney not only completed her degree but also secured a position in a Dallas hospital’s transplant unit residency program.

Esther’s Move: Choosing Texas for a Fresh Start

For Esther N., the decision to relocate from California to Texas came after learning about the benefits of attending WCU out of state.

“I originally heard about �� from California because that’s where I was living previously. And then I decided to move to Texas,” she said. “Overall, I’m just glad that I chose West Coast because the campus is beautiful, the staff is friendly, everybody treats you with love, and I’m glad I was a student of West Coast.”

Esther’s story highlights how relocation can offer not just an education, but also a welcoming environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Jordyn’s Adventure: Driving to WCU-Miami

Not all relocations stop in Texas. Jordyn S. packed her car and drove across the country from California to Miami, ready for a bold change.

“I like change, hence why I packed my car up and moved to Miami from California,” she said. “Knowing that I’m going to get to pursue a career doing something I’m extremely passionate about, that is the thing that reminds me it’s worth it.”

Her advice to other future nurses? “Do it. Take the risk. Totally worth it. You’ll never get to experience and achieve things that are scary if you don’t take a risk.”

Why Relocation Can Transform a Nursing Career

Courtney, Esther, and Jordyn each faced the challenges of leaving home, adjusting to a new city, and committing to the rigorous demands of nursing school. But their stories show that with the right university, relocation can be the first step toward a rewarding career.

Whether it’s WCU-Texas with its close-knit community or WCU-Miami with its vibrant atmosphere, �� campuses provide the resources, mentorship, and clinical opportunities that prepare nursing students to succeed anywhere.

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�� Graduates Celebrate 2024 Commencement at Miramar Cultural Center

�� — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:00:33 +0000

The Miramar Cultural Center was filled with excitement and pride this October as the friends and families of about 200 graduates from �� 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.

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