written by Dora Mendez, BSN ’24
Transferring from Walla Walla Community College to WSU College of Nursing was an easy decision for me, inspired by my sister-in-law, who had attended the college and shared how supportive the faculty and staff were. Once I was accepted, I quickly felt like part of a family. The professors were accommodating and worked around my schedule, which was crucial for me as a working professional. I appreciated how the program was designed for people like me, allowing flexibility while still providing a high-quality education.
One key factor that helped me succeed was staying ahead of my assignments and never hesitating to ask questions. My advice for future transfer students is to always refer to your syllabus and make full use of the resources available, such as the writing center. As someone who has struggled with writing and APA format, I found the feedback from the writing center incredibly helpful. They took the time to review each detail with me, helping me improve my skills and gain confidence in my writing.
This program has shaped my academic and personal goals by pushing me to continue learning and growing. It has given me the confidence to pursue my master’s degree, though I was saddened to transfer to Gonzaga when WSU no longer offered a master’s program*. I hope they bring it back in the future because my experience at WSU was exceptional. I’ve seen significant growth in my knowledge and confidence as a nurse, which has translated into better care for my patients.
As healthcare continues to evolve, I believe that nurses must continuously expand their knowledge and adapt to new challenges. WSU instilled this mindset in me, and I would highly recommend the program to anyone seeking a supportive and enriching learning environment. I am happy to say that my daughter is also now a WSU student and is pursuing her degree in nursing.
* The College of Nursing has temporarily suspended admission to the Master of Nursing (MN) program while the curriculum is being redesigned. Please visit this webpage in Spring 2025 for more information.