Sarah from our Bakersfield campus asked one of our graduates about their experience at SBBCollege, and how they’re doing in their career field today.
What is your name? Carlos Lopez-Vazquez
When did you attend SBBCollege? October 2008 to December 2009
What did you study? Vocational Nursing
What is one of your favorite parts about your time at SBBC? The staff was very helpful. I also made use of the LRC (Learning Resource Center) resources a lot, especially the study rooms to hold study groups with classmates.
What was your biggest challenge at SBBC and how did you overcome it? I worked full-time while I attended school which required staying up late to do homework and then waking up early again.
What is your career goal? To be a Nurse Practitioner.
What did you do immediately after graduation? I had to figure out whether or not I wanted to continue my education. I decided to do so and am now in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through Indiana State University. In the next month I am also going to start attending University of Phoenix for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. Psychology has always been something that I wanted to study along with nursing.
Have you taken your exam to be a Licensed VN? Not yet. I am still waiting for the date. I should be able to take it in about a month.
Where are you currently working? Good Samaritan Hospital and Crestwood Behavorial Health Center.
What is your job title? Mental Health Worker.
What are some of your job responsibilities? I assist the nurses and doctors, observe clients, and run group activities.
What skills that you learned in the classroom can you apply in your current job? The Psychiatric Nursing section helped a lot. I learned about coping mechanisms for patients and how to communicate with the patients.
What is your favorite part about your current job? Helping clients with their programs.
What advice would you pass on to future VN students? If you really want it, you’ll work at it and you’ll make it. Ask questions whenever you have them. There is no dumb question!
How are you connected with SBBCollege now? I come by regularly (a couple times a week) to help tutor and mentor current students.
What do you do when not at school or work? I enjoy working out, photography, shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
Anything else you want to add? I want to thank Ms. Walley. She is great. She got us through the program and taught us everything we needed to know. Also, I don’t think that I would have been able to make it through school without the strength from my LORD, Jesus Christ.
Thanks Carlos, and good luck with your future plans!
