Daniel Vinyar
Throughout most of my life, I was a victim of my own false perception of nursing. I believed in the common stereotype that nurses were simply the white-coated assistants of Hollywood myth. Since then, I've learned why nursing is "the backbone of the healthcare industry." Nursing consists of providing primary care, being a client advocate, directing activities, and coordinating complex systems of care.
Lake Washington Technical Academy allowed me to start my higher education at a much younger age in a field I loved. I was steered in a clear direction by the helpful staff and dived right into prerequisites for the nursing program.
Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) has been a family tradition. My mother graduated from LWTC with a nursing degree and my brother graduated with a degree in computers. What really sold me on an LWTC education is that the health care community highly respects this school's nursing students. In short, it's an honor to obtain a degree in nursing from LWTC.
However, studying for a nursing degree is no picnic. I remember my first quarter of the RN program. It consisted of many new concepts and required reading 500 pages a week. I found it a challenge to retain all that information plus keep up with my other projects and assignments. I did well, however, and made the Dean's List five times. My GPA for the RN program prerequisites was a 3.8, and I'll receive my high school diploma this winter.
I was accepted into the LPN/RN program at LWTC in the fall of 2005, and reapplied for the RN program in the spring of 2006. I'm proud to say I was accepted. My grand plan is to obtain a Baccalaureate in Nursing and continue on to become a Master of Science in Nursing. Ultimately, I see myself as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.
I can't imagine a more fulfilling and compassionate way to spend my life than by promoting the wellness of others. Meanwhile, I have a lot of studying to do to make me a competent nurse and to carry on LWTC's superior reputation in producing great nursing students.
Sonia Hariri
Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) was always my first choice in schools because both of my brothers graduated from here. With their glowing recommendation, I now follow in the family footsteps.
My brothers, Habib and Ahmed, presently work in the field of nursing after graduating from LWTC's nursing program. Habib, the oldest, graduated three years ago and works as a Nursing Unit Manager at Lake-Vue Garden. My brother, Ahmed, graduated this March. Three weeks later, Ahmed took his National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and is now working in the nursing field as well. My family has been in nursing as long as I can remember.
I moved here following the civil war in Sierra Leone in 1997. My family, who is half Lebanese and half Sierra Leonean, moved back and forth between Sierra Leone and London. I was raised in both places.
Ever since I was a child I dreamed of being in the healthcare profession. Growing up, I forever played the nurse whenever I visited my aunt who worked for the United Nations at a relief clinic. I've always seen myself helping and taking care of others and can't imagine doing anything else.
I currently take courses in the Licensed Practical Nursing program, plan to continue for my Registered Nursing degree and finish up with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. From there, my plan is to strive for the Masters level... the highest I can soar, just doing what I love to do!
I find daily challenges in the field of nursing. There's so much to learn. The intervention I make to save a life or maintain a patient's well being can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, my LWTC lecture and clinical instructors work hard to make my learning come easier and lessen my fears.
I look forward to upholding the family tradition with my graduation this August...a day of big celebration!
