When did you graduate from SBCC, and what degree(s) did you earn?
I completed coursework and earned my LVN (Licensed Vocational Nursing) certificate in December of 2021, and returned to SBCC in the fall of 2022 to complete my ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). I graduated in December of 2023, earning an Associate in Science in Nursing ADN and Associate in Arts with Science and Mathematics emphasis. Prior to returning to school to begin a career in nursing, I was an undergraduate working to get my BA in Art. I began taking all my core elective classes at SBCC and was able to transfer to UCSB where I graduated with a BA in Art.
What were some of your favorite classes and/or teachers at SBCC?
I did not necessarily have a favorite class during my years at SBCC, but can say without a shadow of a doubt that Rosette Strandberg was my absolute favorite instructor and mentor. She not only encouraged me to begin school as a LVN prior to returning for my RN, but fostered in me a love of educating student nurses. I can still hear Rosette’s voice in my head daily in my practice and my teaching. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of nursing have truly left a lasting impression on me personally and professionally.
What did you do after you graduated, and what are you doing now?
After I graduated from the LVN program I began working as a nurse at Valle Verde, a local skilled nursing facility that cares for long-term residents and post-acute patients. I was able to get my roots in nursing here and still currently work per-diem as a nurse there. I recently started working for Cottage Hospital in Goleta in the medical surgical department. In my spare time I am a teaching assistant with the SBCC LVN department, helping students in their clinical rotations.
What were some of your favorite aspects of SBCC, best memories, or experiences?
My favorite aspect of SBCC is the community of wonderful educators who truly love to teach and foster a love for learning. I feel one of my biggest takeaways is being able to pay that forward.
Anything else you’d like to add about SBCC, your education or career journey, or plans for the future?
I feel very fortunate for my education from SBCC. As a community we are lucky to have access to such a great community college. Going to nursing school twice was no small feat, and I felt very supported by the staff and the resources that SBCC made available to me.
I did receive scholarships through the SBCC Foundation, and I am still so thankful for the support. I feel that I have received a very robust education and am very proud and grateful to be able to say that I graduated with my nursing degree from SBCC. I am now able to continue a wonderful life with my family here in Santa Barbara, which I feel very fortunate to have.
I hope to continue to teach at SBCC, and to advance as a clinical instructor in the future. I love the opportunity to give back a little of what I gained during my time at SBCC.
