Alumna Selina M.’s story starts very far from West Coast University, all the way in her home country of Iran where she spent the first 10 years of her life. When her parents decided to move to the United States, it was with big dreams of giving their four daughters opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“It’s not easy changing lifestyles. Being in a Muslim country and coming to America is completely different,” she said of the experience.
When she immigrated, Selina didn’t speak a word of English. It took some adjusting, but one thing she liked about her life in the U.S. was the freedom to explore diverse careers. The move meant she could find a profession that capitalized on her strengths.
In previous jobs, however, Selina didn’t find the fulfillment she sought.
She realized something wasn’t quite right when she began getting the Sunday Scaries, anxiety that would set in when she thought of the impending work week. It wasn’t until she got a job at a dental office that the feeling changed. The Sunday anxiety eased. Instead, she found she genuinely enjoyed working directly with patients. Going to a job she liked made all the difference.
That’s when she decided to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at WCU. Studying dental hygiene was her way of making the most of the opportunities her parents gave her.
Her educational journey, however, wasn’t without struggle. While in school, Selina lived in Burbank, which meant commuting around 130 miles per day to attend her classes at the WCU-Orange County campus in Anaheim. Fortunately, she became close with her cohort and found an amazing support network of classmates who came together to ease her commute when she needed it.
“They would ask me to stay with them,” Selina explained. “My few friends became like my family.”
Selina graduated in June 2023 and became a registered dental hygienist. “I went from moving continents when I was 10 years old and didn’t know a single word in English to finishing this program. It’s a great feeling.”
Now, the Sunday Scaries are a thing of the past. “I love going to work and seeing my patients,” she said. “I love the environment and the work I am doing.”
As for her parents who left their home country to give their daughters better opportunities, Selina says they are incredibly proud now that all four of them have graduated from university. “They know they did the right thing by moving here. They’re happy I’m happy.”
In the future, Selina’s goal is to get her master’s degree in education and perhaps even return to WCU as an instructor.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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