Cynthia C., BSN ’24, never expected her life to look like it does today. After being diagnosed with stage III cancer, everything shifted in an instant. Yet, this challenging experience became the catalyst for a new, purposeful journey.
“Cancer gave me a second chance at life,” Cynthia reflected. “Now, I understand my purpose. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now.”
During her chemotherapy treatment, Cynthia was supported by a nurse-patient navigator who played a vital role in her recovery. At the time, Cynthia was also pregnant with her sixth child, a situation that deepened her appreciation for the healthcare professionals around her.
“After going through chemo and meeting other patients, I told my mom I wanted to work in oncology,” she shared. “My goal was to pay it forward.”
Cynthia started working in an administrative role in a hospital’s oncology unit, where an oncologist saw potential in her and encouraged her to pursue nursing.
“He kept telling me I would make a great nurse,” she recalled. “’You empathize with the patients,’ he said. ‘You genuinely care.’”
Her determination to help cancer patients soon became her life’s mission. Despite having no prior healthcare experience, Cynthia found the work to be instinctive.
“Having gone through cancer myself, I can truly empathize with all of them,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Cynthia enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at West Coast University’s Los Angeles campus, graduating with cum laude honors this past July. Balancing full-time work, her studies, and raising six children as a single mother was no small feat.
“I didn’t have a single day off,” she said. “Every day was either work, school, or clinical, and I still had to go home and be a mom.”
Despite the challenges, Cynthia is grateful for her experience at WCU and the supportive community of students and faculty.
“I’m so thankful for the experience and proud to be a part of West Coast,” she said. “The staff and students I met still stay in touch. It’s like a family.”
Armed with her BSN degree, Cynthia is more committed than ever to helping others navigate their cancer diagnoses. Having lost her aunt to cancer as a teenager, she understands the pain and uncertainty that comes with the disease.
Today, she has become a trusted resource in her community, offering support, advocacy, and encouragement to anyone who reaches out.
“Cancer isn’t something you can cover with a bandage. Many people don’t know where to turn,” Cynthia said.
Cynthia’s goal is to become a nurse practitioner and continue her work in oncology. The relationships she forms with her patients give her work profound meaning.
“I see myself in them,” she said. “We’re all afraid of the unknown, but having someone to hold your hand and guide you makes it a little easier. It lets them know they’re not alone.”
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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