WCU-Miami BSN Alumnus Went from Green Card Winner to ‘Gold Medal’ Graduate 

Originally from Romania, Razvan G. and his wife Elena came to the United States in 2014 after winning a Green Card lottery. Now proud graduates of West Coast University-Miami, their educational journey was marked by determination and sacrifice. 

“We came in with just the green cards, a few bucks, and our luggage, leaving everything behind for a new life here,” Razvan said, who graduated from WCU-Miami with a bachelor’s degree in 2021. 

The decision to attend WCU was sparked after seeing a commercial on TV in 2017. Razvan was looking for schools for nursing and after seeing the ad, felt compelled to get off the couch. 

“I drove to WCU, sat with an advisor, and that was it,” he said. “The adviser was very knowledgeable and nice enough to explain how the process works.” 

Balancing work and school was a significant challenge for Razvan at first. To cover the bills, Razvan sold cars and drove Uber for about a year and a half. Eventually, Razvan decided to focus on his studies and stopped working, but that is when his wife Elena stepped in, taking extra hours to support the family. 

“For two and a half years, she was the one paying all the bills, and my only job was to come to school every day,” he said. “We had to rely on each other. She said, ‘I got you, I’ll take more hours, pay the bills, you just make sure you finish school.'” 

This mutual support continued when his wife enrolled in the 18-month ADN program in June 2022. Razvan took on extra work as a psychiatric nurse to cover the bills while she studied. 

Razvan said he and his wife’s story is one of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to their dreams. Their experience at West Coast University not only prepared them for successful careers but also strengthened their bond as a family. 

“Financially, we are very stable now. We were struggling like everybody else, but it’s not just the financial part. You feel appreciated,” Razvan said. “When she graduated and passed her NCLEX, I felt like another dream came true. It was like winning a gold medal.”  

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.