Already the mother of two, when West Coast University student Sarahi P. and her fiancé Tara decided to expand their family, the couple turned to the unique path of reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Using Tara’s egg and Sarahi’s womb, Sarahi now has an 18-month-old baby boy with Tara. Despite the challenges and uncertainties with the IVF process, Sarahi found the experience overwhelmingly positive.
“We knew we wanted to have kids together, we just knew it was going to be a little tougher for us given that we’re both women,” Sarahi shared. “I loved the facility we went to; their bedside manners were through the roof. I can reference my experience as another reason why I want to work in the medical field.”
While balancing motherhood and her studies at WCU-Orange County has been a roller coaster, Sarahi said she credits the university’s supportive environment and her family for helping her manage both.
“I’m just so happy that WCU has a very welcoming staff,” she said. “And I’ve always relied on my support system, especially my fiancé. Without her, things would be 10 times harder. My kids have also been superstars.”
Once she earns her bachelor of science in nursing degree, Sarahi plans to pursue her master’s to become a nurse practitioner, with hopes of continuing in the OB-GYN specialty and making a significant impact in women’s health, mental health, and the LGBTQ+ community.
“I want to help as many people as I can. I’ve always had a passion for helping others,” she shared. “And I want to bring babies into the world and support other women through their pregnancies.”
Originally inspired by the care her younger brother received during his battle with cancer in 2013, Sarahi has been determined to become a healthcare professional.
“Thankfully, he is in remission, but in those tough times, I witnessed him having long hospital stays,” she said. “I would see how the nurses dominated everything, and I slowly came to the conclusion that I wanted to get into nursing.”
Sarahi then became a medical assistant and earned her phlebotomy license. She first heard about WCU through a casual conversation with a newly hired nurse practitioner at the OB-GYN office where Sarahi worked.
“I just started chit-chatting with her about my dreams and goals. She suggested I look into West Coast University, where she graduated from,” Sarahi recalled. “I looked into it, attended an info session, and even encouraged a coworker with similar goals to join me.”
Whether being part of the LGBTQ+ community, considering IVF, or pursing a degree in healthcare, Sarahi emphasizes the importance of following your passion and not letting others dictate your happiness.
“Don’t let others make you feel inferior,” she said. “Follow what makes you happy, hold on to it, and ride it out. You are your biggest fan.”
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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