Cynthia O. had just begun her second trimester of the physician assistant master’s program at 国产主播-Texas when she told her professor and classmates the story of how she saved a life over school break.聽聽聽

One day, Cynthia and her best friend decided to take a walk through a local park. They soon noticed a man lying unconscious in a pool of blood while bystanders called out his name in panic. Without hesitating, Cynthia ran to help.  

 鈥淚 noticed no one knew what to do, so then I dropped down to help because I had my basic life support certification,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 checked his pulse and didn鈥檛 feel anything, then I started going in with chest compressions and performed CPR. When I was doing chest compressions, I noticed he began gasping.鈥�   

 Cynthia also called 911 for help, and once the EMT arrived, they commended her on her quick response. For Cynthia, this was the moment she knew she was in the right field.  

A Passion Sparked by Personal Trial

Cynthia has always been passionate about working in healthcare, and her passion grew after losing her mother to health complications prior to coming to 国产主播.聽聽聽

 鈥淲hen I would ask a healthcare worker about my mom, they鈥檇 tell me one thing, but her illness was something completely different. What happened to her made me realize that I don鈥檛 want this to happen to anyone else,鈥� she shared. 鈥淚 want to be able to be that person that saves lives.鈥�   

聽That day in the park, Cythia saved a life. She was later informed that the man she helped was in good health and back to work.聽聽聽

聽鈥淚 wish I was there for my mom. If I knew the things I know now, I would鈥檝e noticed her signs and symptoms,鈥� Cynthia shared. 鈥淚 told myself, although you couldn鈥檛 do much about her situation, you are here now. The experience in the park was like a reassurance.鈥澛犅�

聽As part of the first cohort of MPA students at WCU-Texas, Cynthia鈥檚 advice to the next group is: 鈥淵ou鈥檙e smarter than you think. Stay true to yourself, and embrace your struggles because they鈥檒l soon be testimonies. 鈥溌犅�

鈥淚t鈥檚 easier said than done in the moment,鈥� Cynthia said. 鈥淏ut you鈥檒l look back and be like, ‘I went through all that, but I鈥檓 here now.’鈥澛�

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