What these students and alumni have in common is success

A debt-free double-major leads transfer student Sheila Medina to her dream job at DeloitteMy accounting professor told me about WCSU and that my NCC credits would transfer there ... I spoke to Dr. Richard Montague, chair of WCSU’s MIS department, who told me I wouldn’t have to do a major and minor — I could do a double major in MIS and Accounting. Not only that, but everything was in one place in WCSU’s Ancell School of Business. This changed my whole idea of what I could accomplish!
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Biodiversity graduate student Maria Rodriguez-Hernandez invests in cyanobacteria research“I’m pretty excited to do my thesis. It has changed the way I see problems with water quality. ... I’ve always cared about the environment and all the aspects of environmental conservation.”
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Olivia Moore and Catherine Costa, Barnard Award winners

WCSU Field Hockey players Catherine Costa and Olivia Moore win 2022 Barnard Awards“Catherine and Olivia are driven individuals who strive for excellence in everything that they do. To say I am proud of them is an understatement. Each has their own unique set of skills and traits, but both young women have been a shining example of grit and determination for their teammates and peers."
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Biodiversity graduate students JoAnn D’Addio and Tim Martin translate learning into teaching opportunities“Tim and JoAnn came into our master’s program as highly accomplished professionals, but it was so fun to work with them and see how our program gave them opportunities to explore their passions for environmental work. ... I love that our program ends up having exponential impact because they are extending what they learned back to even more students.”
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Oscar Oldbury-Swift, international exchange student from ‘across the pond’ breaks swimming records at WCSU“I was over the moon with my swims, breaking my own 200m IM record by a further 8 seconds, breaking the 400m IM record by 13 seconds and my own 200m breaststroke record by a further 9 seconds. As a men’s team, we broke three relay records, bringing my total to six university records!”
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Senior art student Daisy Gesualdi curates new exhibit at Brookfield Craft CenterIn an ongoing partnership, Brookfield Craft Center supports WCSU’s Department of Art through instructor-led, class-curated exhibitions. This year, Gesualdi, a senior art major, was selected to curate this exhibition, which represents the culmination of her four years of studies at WCSU.
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Alumnus Shelby Davis named to prestigious ‘40 under 40’ list“WCSU built a foundation for my leadership,” Davis noted, and his advice for students hoping to attend the university is to “ keep going — stick to your dreams, your goals, your vision. The road may be long, but you will get there.”
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WCSU’s ROI makes it one of the highest value universities in Connecticut: Meteorologist Jacob Wycoff is living proof“During my time at WCSU, I was able to do three separate internships. Two of them used a program called WeatherBug in their weathercast, so I got a chance to test drive the software. Upon graduation, I applied to WeatherBug for a role there, using references I gained during my internship. I ended up getting the position and began working as a meteorologist in Maryland. My role was to work closely with 100+ TV station partners using the WeatherBug software.”
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Kayla Conroy (center) in a scene from the web series “Human Telegraphs.”

Alumna Kayla Conroy's web series receives acclaim in festival and award circuitShe notes her experience performing in WCSU’s New York City production of “Songs for a New World” had a profound impact on her future career as an actor and producer. “My directors and teachers, including Frank Herbert, Pam McDaniel and Sal Trapani, helped make my time at WCSU an amazing experience.”
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Alumnus "Hupp" Huppmann sets out to sea to raise awareness of veteran PTSD and suicide“I used my GI Bill benefits. I went to school every day and had a full-time schedule, and then at night I would take classes online. I am extremely proud to be a graduate of WCSU.”
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Student Michelle Rochniak named Connecticut Collegiate Poet“At WCSU, I made many new friends, connected with professors and found my poetic voice. I’m so grateful that I feel at home in the Writing department, and I’m even more grateful that people here appreciate my work and encourage me on a regular basis to continue writing.”
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Alumnus Nicolas DiDomizio returns to campus to speak to student writers“The Writing Department faculty thought it would be invaluable to have Nic speak with our students, including his decision to switch from a corporate career after several years to penning ‘Burn It All Down.’ There is nothing that hits home more for students than hearing from someone who sat where they are sitting now.”
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Alumnus Eric Holley launches successful dual careers from strengths in communication and sports“The sports system created the person I am today. I wanted to teach young men to leverage all the opportunities available to them, just as I utilized all of my opportunities as a student-athlete at WCSU.”
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Alumnus Jeff DiStasio leads Google's Cloud Security sales team“Those years of hands-on, real-world experience that I acquired as a student worker at WCSU were a huge springboard. It helped me differentiate myself.”
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Managerial Accounting degree builds foundation for successful career for alumnus Luke Holden“Another thing that separated me from other job candidates upon graduation was my ability to adapt, because at the Ancell School I learned accounting, fraud, business development and marketing as part of my Managerial Accounting degree.”
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Alumna Monique Daley developed her appetite for advocacy at WCSU“I had immigrated from Jamaica for high school and seeing so many people of color as administrators at a smaller university like WCSU really helped shape some and offset other situations. I could see the years of work by people of color to activate change on campus, which gave me a strong background in advocacy right from the start.”
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Alumna Alicia Leite finds bridge to successful CTDOT career“My anthropology and social sciences classes at WCSU opened my eyes to things I had never experienced or learned growing up. Professors like Dr. Stephen Ward, Dr. Averell Manes and Dr. Rob Whittemore expanded my world view significantly.”
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Routines, self-reliance led to job at Goldman Sachs for alumnus Chriss Sari"If it weren’t for the experiences I went through and learned from during my years at WCSU, I would never have gotten here. I am where I am today because of my mindset: it is important to believe in yourself because if you don’t, then who will?”
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‘Magic’ being made in Torrington schools, thanks to Music Education alumnae Ashlee Hyatt and Michelle Castellano“The WCSU [music] program is so good, that we continue to hire WCSU graduates in Torrington." ... “If you want a high-quality education without paying the high cost of a private college, go to WCSU. The quality of the education can’t be matched.”
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Service-learning opportunities spark educational, career goals for Ana Mendieta

Service-learning opportunities spark educational, career goals for alumna Ana Mendieta"As a first-generation student, I appreciated the emphasis on the value of getting involved for the greater good. WCSU sparked an interest in service learning in me.”
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Divergent paths lead to Juris Doctors for brothers George and Tony Fernandes“I remember driving by WCSU as a child many times and wondering what people were learning in the buildings and where they would go after they received that education. I wanted to be a part of that, and I have never once regretted my decision to attend WCSU.”
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Scott Morrison uses finance studies to fill hearts and stomachs by setting a place at the table for everyone"As a small business owner, you have to wear many hats. WCSU completely prepared me for everything that has come our way in the 28 years we’ve been in business. And to this day, I still do all our accounting."
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Olivia Kelly Sosnoski at her White Coat ceremony

Serendipity leads Olivia Kelly Sosnoski to WCSU on first step to fulfilling med school dream“The small student-to-faculty ratio at WCSU was highly influential in my success. I was always asking questions, utilizing the faculty office hours. ... So many professors just go out of their way to be encouraging and make you feel supported.”
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From WCSU to Chicago’s Wacker Drive: Focus on values directs alumna Alycia Hamilton's Interactive Marketing career"At WCSU, I learned to speak my voice and value the opinions and knowledge of others. I also saw the advantage of nurturing relationships. Both have given me the ability to consistently grow and learn.”
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Alumna Bri-Anna Caberson finds artistic freedom, benefit from WCSU DIMA degree (Photo credit: Alejandro Lazare)

Alumna Bri-Anna Caberson finds artistic freedom, benefit from WCSU DIMA degree"There were no roadblocks, no restrictions. I was able to dive right in and have freedom in my artistic expression. The professors were amazing."
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First-generation alumna Brittany Baisch takes interest in science to Ph.D. in Toxicology"WCSU was much more affordable, and I could save money by commuting. It was also attractive because it would provide me with access to Ph.D.-level professors teaching both labs and classes, and they hold office hours themselves."
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The choice to pay it forward came easily to alumnus Renan Max F. Hamoy"I use the skills I was taught at WCSU in my job at Synchrony now. This position requires a technology and business mix."

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2023 D.C. Teacher of the Year Jermar Rountree found his calling at WCSU“Pay attention to who is pointing you in the right direction and showing you love. There is nothing you can’t reach for if you keep your mind open. Reach for it.”
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Financial accounting career provides its own kind of adrenaline for alumnus Kevin Tirella

Financial accounting career provides its own kind of adrenaline for Kevin Tirella“At a bigger school without the relationships I was able to develop with my professors, I probably never would’ve become a CPA. That’s how I got to where I am.”
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‘Lane change’ leads to selection as a Connecticut Collegiate Poet for student Isabella Bullock“I love where I am now. I didn’t expect to love WCSU as much as I do. I’ve learned so much and I appreciate my school and my professors.”
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Childhood dream of becoming an educator results in recognition as Seymour Teacher of the Year for alumna Mallory Knutson

Childhood dream results in recognition as Seymour Teacher of the Year for alumna Mallory Knutson“Attending WCSU will change your life, and for the best! It is the perfect place to develop lifelong friendships and relationships, and to challenge yourself academically and gain valuable learning experience. It is a great opportunity for athletes to still play competitively and it is a great place to foster independence and allow you to grow individually. Attending WCSU has really been one of the best decisions I ever made."
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As a student, alumnus Jonathan Dator overcame a serious health setback through resilience, support“Everyone at WCSU wants you to do well. They want you to succeed and everyone is willing to help you because they care. I was so vulnerable at that point in my life, and the faculty gave me so much reassurance. No matter how hard things are, someone at WCSU will help you figure it out.”
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Confidence, communication and computer skills gained at WCSU enabled Gizmo Rivera to build an award-winning Visual Effects career in LA“Attending WCSU gave me the foundation to be successful in a very competitive industry, Visual Effects. ... After graduating, I had the confidence and the tools to compete, and build a career in the entertainment and film industry. WCSU and its culture instilled in me a teamwork mentality that allowed me to achieve my dreams and make a living out of it.”
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Networking skills, trusting his instincts have taken Steve Scebelo to the top of his marketing game“One of the primary reasons I landed at WCSU will sound familiar to a lot of past and present students: cost, and the ability to get a quality education at a fair price. What really sealed the deal was an offer to be part of the Ancell Honors program, which would give me the chance to graduate in three years.”

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Introduction to JLA class sets Rute Mendes Caetano on path to a law degree“The JLA program was a great preparation for law school. I knew what briefing a case meant, and had a great general understanding of underlying legal concepts from the classes WCSU offered me. All of that, I think, is a testament to the caliber of WCSU’s JLA Division and its professors, which allows for a lot of student connections.”
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Desire to help others led Elaina Layden to earn B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at WCSU“I was able to take the things ABA taught me and apply it to my practice as a licensed trauma therapist working with people with Autism, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. It helps me to better understand the function of the behaviors of my clients, how to improve positive behaviors and decrease maladaptive behaviors, and how to better help my clients express their feelings and behaviors with their parents. It helps me to better understand why clients engage in the behaviors they engage in and how I can best help them.”
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Change in direction brought Rachael Levine to WCSU on road to law school“Take advantage of the opportunities that WCSU provides with the relief of knowing that you won’t come out of college in massive student debt. Don’t believe that being at a smaller state school could possibly prevent you from pursuing your law degree. Quite to the contrary, the support you receive at WCSU could actually be what sets you apart from the masses of applicants to law schools. From the quality of the classes to the encouragement from the faculty, WCSU will get you far.”
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Strong support system, ‘parking lot talks’ and determination ensured law school success for alumnus Raneil Smith“I talked with Professor Dwyer as much as I could as we walked from class to our cars. He had a huge impact on my life and his belief in me gave me inspiration and kept my dream alive. When I was having a tough day at UConn Law School, he would tell me he wouldn’t allow me to quit. He was just as emotionally invested in my vision as I was.”
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A chance conversation with a high school administrator brought alumnus Luis Corona to WCSU on the way to a rewarding MIS career"A strong point in WCSU’s MIS program is that many of the professors and adjunct professors have real-world experience and spent time as professionals in the workforce. I think that the real-world experience that they provide really helps put into perspective how the things you are learning will be applicable to a job after you graduate."
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Sandcastle kit creates a kingdom for WCSU alumnus Kevin Lane after ‘Shark Tank’ appearance“The design skills that my WCSU art instructors taught me are the foundation that translated into Create a Castle. Anyone considering college should absolutely save your money and go to WCSU. It’s just as good as any college or rival school in this realm. You don’t have to go to Harvard or Yale — you can accomplish it at WCSU.”

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Class of 2023 graduate Angelo Natalie, former ‘Barney’ songwriter, finally attains a bachelor’s degree at age 71"I just keep on learning new things. Not for a single day have I walked away from my classes here without learning something of value. When you stop learning, you start declining. With my amazing professors at WCSU, I have learned so much. I’m sincerely grateful to them.”
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Ernst & Young opportunity awaits 2023 WCSU graduate Daniel Vincent“I initially enrolled at UConn to study engineering, and I didn’t love it. I took some time off and transferred to WCSU and decided to study MIS. What I found when I got here was that WCSU is all about fostering relationships between students and professors. There is a very close connection with the staff, and a lot of people here have helped me.”
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Faculty advice, leadership and study-abroad opportunities led to law degree for Shiny Patel"WCSU is highly affordable and also highly underrated. The professors are brilliant, the faculty are kind and approachable, and the students are diligent and human. I felt like I got a real human experience at WCSU. If you want quick access to high-value opportunities, a small school is a great way to do it. The student-teacher ratio provides for a more intimate classroom experience and the ability to get to know your peers better. " Read more

Newly seated Connecticut Superior Court Judge Thomas Saadi is a WCSU alumnus"Professionally, I draw from experiences as an Agency Commissioner, former Assistant Attorney General and special prosecutor and as an Army lawyer practicing in both operational and administrative environments."
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Alumna reflects on importance of WCSU education in her life“I believe my story is proof that WCSU was an important link in my life, and my education there has benefited numerous groups of people, as well as enriched and encouraged my life’s path.”
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Banking executive Stephen Scott considers his WCSU degree a good investment“Even though it had been nearly 15 years since I had graduated from WCSU, the Ancell School of Business has a great reputation and, when coupled with strong work experience, the graduate schools take that into consideration. The advantage is not graduating from either with significant student loan debt so you can enjoy other areas of your life. I hope students can learn from my experience at WCSU and enjoy the same career success.”
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https://www.wcsu.edu/success-stories/2023/10/12/stephen-scott-considers-his-wcsu-degree-a-good-investment/

Busy EMT Emily Benson eyes BSN from WCSU“One of the reasons I wanted to come to WCSU was because I had heard its students have good pass rates on the NCLEX. For me, the test will be very similar to the EMT exam. I’m going to do my best and study, and next semester will include a lot of classes to prep for that.”
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WCSU alumnus Efrain Casillas named Arizona Teacher of the Year“My time at WCSU taught me to be passionate about my music and continue my willingness to work hard to be successful. Also, all of the skills that my professors gave me prepared me to do a good job as a teacher.”
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‘20 Under 40 Leadership Award’ is latest recognition for Corey Paris“Embracing the role of WCSU student body president allowed me to cultivate resilience, diplomacy and a genuine understanding of the diverse needs within our academic community. Through countless challenges and triumphs, I learned the art of listening, the importance of collaboration, and the power of advocacy."
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Tracey Dolan enhances a 30+ year career with the addition of a WCSU M.H.A."This will enhance my ability to understand my role as it relates to every other component of health care. The course work includes strategic planning, financial analysis and more. It helps demonstrate how all the different departments work together at a hospital or in health care in general. Having all these years behind me and my experience combined with the M.H.A. ties it all together nicely. It gives me a deeper dive on how complex our health care system really is."
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Alumnus George Psarofagis finds recipe for business success at WCSU“The education was worth it. I can have open and competent conversations with my accountant and complete understanding in my interactions with suppliers. I appreciate the way those who came before me ran the business, but you don’t have to do it the hard way. My education at WCSU allows me to take a more refined approach.”
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Destined to excel: From Eagle Scout to Music Education major, Sarah Seo makes the most of her opportunities“For the first time in my life, I have a private lesson teacher, Belinda Whitney. She’s been on Broadway and in some of the biggest movies I know, and it’s so cool that she’s working with me! Now I’m really learning technique and things I had not learned before.”
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JLA student Uche Aja eyes public policy work as a future attorney“I’m proud to have led this initiative on campus. It has inspired me to see things from a different perspective, while enabling me to succeed on behalf of a good cause.”
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Sundance Film Festival winner Phoebe Jane Hart found her passion at WCSUHart said that since her January Sundance win, she’s receiving “tons of emails” from other festivals, producers, agents, PR people and others who want to work with her. “It’s exciting. WestConn really changed my life.”

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Austin Scelzo’s love of music and community leads to recognition as a 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero“WestConn’s Music Ed is a cut above. I’ve met so many people in the field who didn’t have the same opportunities I had for student-teaching. I benefitted from the variety of classes available to me as a classical music student, such as learning jazz improvisation skills in my classes with Jimmy Greene. A standout for me was Dr. Cory Ganschow, who built community and loved her students.”
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WCSU’s M.S. in Integrative Biological Diversity program leads to sweet smell of success for Katie CunninghamCunningham said she applied to WCSU because it was in her hometown and familiar to her — only to learn that Professor of Biology Dr. Theodora Pinou, the coordinator of WCSU’s Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity degree program, studies epibionts on sea turtles. “That coincidence solidified my interest in WestConn, and it ended up being the only program I applied to."
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A career in Meteorology is on the horizon for Griffin Evans"At Western, I’m taking courses in Meteorology and studying what I’m working toward: my future. I’m good at math, physics and logic, and I’ve always had a fascination with weather. It just makes sense.”
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Meaghan Canavan is WCSU’s latest Connecticut Poetry Circuit Poet“WCSU’s writing program is why I chose to attend the school. Many universities only offer an English major with some writing classes on the side. But when I saw that Western had a major for it — along with offering New York residents in-state tuition — it really felt like a win-win.”
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From Norwalk to NASA: Emma Dolan’s WCSU degree helps her reach the stars“I only considered graduate school because of my WCSU professors. My family didn’t have higher education beyond a bachelor’s degree, and graduate school didn’t seem realistic, but because of the encouragement of my professors, I ended up in the Ph.D. in Chemistry program at Boston University.”
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Biology student Michael Tambascio's research is 'for the birds'"I want to make people more aware of bird-building collisions. Not just to point out the problem, but to demonstrate solutions like window covers, blinds, or paint on the windows to break up the reflectivity of the light and clearness of the glass so it isn’t as confusing to birds.”
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Melo Goulbourne found what he was looking for and more at WCSU“Reflecting on my journey, I owe a debt of gratitude to WCSU and, in particular, Dr. Marino, who consistently believed in my potential. WCSU provided me not only with a solid academic foundation, but also the resilience and patience required to navigate the challenges of the law enforcement field.”
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Isabelle Molteni earns CTABA Award on way to obtaining her ABA degree“Since there are a handful of professors, they really get to know each of their students, and they want their students to succeed. I also thought the content was very impactful on the clinical side of the field, and I was able to apply a lot of this material when discussing potential interventions with my supervisor."
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Ismael Ricardo paid forward the good advice he received as a student by becoming a tutor to his peers“What made me decide to go to WCSU was the opportunity to stay local and make an impact in the school that’s in the community I grew up in.”
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Sundance and SXSW film festival award winner Phoebe Jane Hart found her passion at WCSU“Coming to WCSU when I did, I realized how much school can do for you if you take advantage of it. If you really use all the resources available to you, it can change your life.”
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Michelle Young takes her nursing career to its highest level by pursuing a WCSU DNP degree"Working in an academic institution, lifelong learning is really important. The DNP is a terminal degree and will be the highpoint of my professional track. My MSN gave me my clinical knowledge, and my DNP will give me leadership expertise. To those who are considering it, just get started."
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At WCSU, Alex Shapiro discovered his ultimate job and his eventual wife"A state school like WCSU can give you all the opportunities you need in life. The smaller class sizes, and professors who are current from working in the field, will set you up better than at any ‘top tier’ school. My wife is an example of that, too."
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From IT to Nursing: A mother’s love prompts a career change"I would tell any registered nurse thinking of getting a BSN that the WCSU program is doable because you can create your own study time since most of the work is asynchronous. A bachelor’s degree opens up a lot of opportunities. You can work anywhere. The WCSU program also prepares you well for getting a master’s."
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Accounting student Samuel Delorme learned the advantages of asking for — and offering — help“As a first-gen student, I was afraid of seeking help, but all the clubs on campus, the advisers, they helped me fit in, The Tutoring Resource Center was where I started to hang out when I was struggling on my subjects. From there, I started to meet other students, and opportunities opened up to me. I got my job as a tutor, because I asked for help once and found out that helping people back was something that makes me happy.”
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Finance student Ardian Margegaj is a study in resilience and success“Having on-campus employment opportunities was a big help to me in developing my resume. I was able to work as a peer tutor for a semester and build my leadership and communication skills. Using some of the resources in the Career Success Center helped me a lot as well. I was able to practice my interviewing skills ... this really helped me get my nerves under control going into my first ‘real’ interview.”
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Networking, asking questions helped Rina Hernandez pursue her passion of removing language barriers“Make the effort to attend networking events if possible. WCSU organizations host many events that current students, alumni, and community members attend. These events are essential for finding assistance with the college experience. You may meet someone who went through your exact situation and can provide so much help."
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