​​Laja always wanted to go to college, but life just seemed to get in the way. She married shortly after high school, then became a mother. With four children, college became a dream deferred. When she got divorced, however, she knew it was time. Working retail jobs to make ends meet was not going to sustain her and her family for very long.

Shelby was an unemployed US Army Veteran, single mother of a three year old, with a baby on the way. Shelby tried her hand as a consultant selling beauty products for an online company with little success. The only success that did come out of that was the draining of her bank account. She was running out of options for how she was going to provide for her growing family.

In early July 2016, Shelby came and visited Carolina Career College after hearing that Information Technology along with her military background might make a great fit. “Honestly all I could think of was here we go again”, but despite everything in my nature telling me not to go, I went to a meeting to discuss the school and what they had to offer. I took a risk and enrolled, my knowledge of computers was close to nothing besides the bare minimum.”

West Coast University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate Josiah is thankful to be alive.

While serving in the military, Josiah was in a situation that almost ended his life but thanks to the hard work of his nurses, he is still here today. His time in the hospital gave him the drive and inspiration to become a nurse himself.

“The doctors had actually given up on me and told my parents I wasn’t going to make it,” Josiah said. “It was only the nurses that were coming in and taking care of me and telling my parents, ‘everything was going to be okay.’ That drove me to be one of those nurses that cares and shows compassion.”

​Leticia, a medical assistant student from The College of Health Care Professions student longed for more than her stay-at-home mom duties.

Leticia, the youngest of 5 siblings, was the first to graduate from High School. After high school, Leticia fell in love and began a family. She and her husband had two boys and one beautiful baby girl. According to Leticia, “they gave my life
meaning and motivation, but I knew that I wanted more.”

Patricia, a tireless advocate for community engagement and social change, is dedicated to breaking down the negative stigma of disability.

Before attending Stanbridge University, Patricia served for four years in the U.S. Navy, working on navigation systems for military jets. During this time, Patricia Hansen managed to not only expertly accomplish these duties, but also serve as an advocate for victims of sexual abuse and build a house for an impoverished family in the Philippines. It was her time as an instructional aid for children with autism spectrum disorder that inspired her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

Elli Mae came to SJVC Temecula as a high school senior. The first in her family to attend college. Ellie was a bright, positive person who brought so much enthusiasm to our campus. She quickly got involved in numerous clubs and activities.

Elli Mae joined Health Occupations of America and ASB. She supported numerous fundraising activities benefiting philanthropic organizations such as Be the Match, Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Autism Awareness.

​I grew up in Fiji and moved here with my parents in 2008. I dreamt of working in the medical field and going to school, but we were not financially stable, and I often worked three jobs. My parent’s wish was to see me get an education and prosper in the USA, but we battled just to survive. After I got married and became pregnant, I was forced to slow down due to complications. My husband and my parents encouraged me to pursue schooling and an actual career. I wanted the quickest program possible, and the representative at Pima Medical Institute suggested the Medical Assistant program.

​When Angel enrolled into the MA program at Fortis College she was living in a homeless shelter, had no vehicle and had no family to help/support/assist her. Relying on the public transportation/campus van, she knew this is what she had to do to establish a career and after just a few months in the program, she definitely knew this is what she wanted.

​Perseverance, dedication to excellence, and persistence perfectly describe Shannon’s path through nursing school. Through her general classes, and starting into her nursing courses at Fortis College, she met several obstacles. In the summer of 2017, a waterskiing accident changed the course of Shannon’s life and nursing career. Despite her devastating injuries, Shannon has persevered, persisted, and proved her dedication to excellence while looking forward, aiming for nothing less than her ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric nurse, and making a difference in her patients’ lives.

Carissa had dreamed of becoming a nurse ever since she was 10 years old. Five years ago, it did not seem like this would be a possibility. Carissa was diagnosed with a rare, genetic brain condition. She was not expected to live long enough to graduate high school. Carissa endured dozens of surgeries, including an experimental shunt to help with the draining of excess brain fluid. She was even featured on Arizona Family when her doctors did not know what else to do for her. This news story opened medical doors for Carissa.