Nursing Journey

By bjaroudi

  • First day of Community College

    New language, new country, new culture, and new learning system. I adapted to a new culture very quickly.
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    AA degree from Orange Coast College.

    I am still undecided on what to major in. I initially wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps and be an electrical engineer. I changed my mind after taking the first Calculus math class.
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    Graduating CSUF, B.S. Kinesiology

    I loved sports, and majoring in Kinesiology was the best way to connect with what I love.
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    Career after school

    I spent this period working for medical device manufacturing companies in different capacities. I worked in sales, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and operations management.

  • A feeling of dissatisfaction is setting in

    After 10 years working in the corporate field, I felt the need to go back to what I love the most, people and sports. I decided to start taking prerequisite classes to apply to physical therapy and nursing schools.
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    Working on preprequisites

    I was taking prerequisite night classes for physical therapy and nursing. Both fields required similar prerequisites. I knew I would be happy working in either field because both involve helping people.

  • Buying a house

    I bought a house on my own. Money was tight, so I decided to postpone applying until I am in a better financial position.
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    My wife attending nursing school

    My wife graduated from nursing school with a BSN degree from CSUSM. I focused on supporting her during this period.

  • Getting Married

    My wife asked me to quit work so we can both attend nursing school at the same time. I thought that would be a risky financial decision, so I decided to continue working and help support my wife through her nursing school.
  • My father suffered a stroke

    My father suffered a stroke

    My dad suffered an ischemic brain stroke and was admitted to a nursing home for rehabilitation. A journey of a year and a half of watching the closest person in my life struggle with rehabilitation. This provided me with a front row seat into the world of nursing and patient interactions.
  • First daughter arrival

    First daughter arrival

    There is no greater feeling than being a father! I was overwhelmed with a range of emotions from fear and awe to excitement and happiness.
  • Second daughter arrival

    Second daughter arrival

    I wanted a boy, so we decided not to know the sex until birth (don't ask me why). She turned out to be the sweetest girl ever!

  • Starting at United Nursing College

    I am excited to finally start my nursing journey at United Nursing College. A journey of more than twenty years in the making. I am hopeful that I am smart and strong enough to see this journey through.