Student Spotlight: Scott Erickson

Major: Nursing

My wife and I came back to her family roots here in Hayward, moving from Colorado. The move meant a career change from firefighting for me. I decided on Nursing and got a job at the hospital. I met several graduates from the nursing program here at LCOOC and they encouraged me to apply. I'm very fortunate to be accepted here locally and on my way to help support my family.

I love that LCOOC is local, it means a lot. There is more of a personal approach with financial aid, registrar, etc.

The clinicals for Nursing has been an amazing experience, getting to help patients in a real setting is very helpful. The program recently got simulators so we can apply our learned skills before going to the hospital. I am looking forward to that.

My advice for someone wanting to start college is that I've gone to several. It's ok if you don't know what you want to do. Just don't waste your time or effort on a maybe. Figure it out by taking your general courses and use the college's connections to shadow areas you are interested in. I am hoping to start working in the Emergency Department or the clinic here in Hayward.

I am grateful to be nominated for a student spotlight and want to thank my teachers for all their hard work. Specifically, Jamie Gohde for her efforts getting the program to be accredited and Sajetha Babu for her ability to teach real world nursing and focus in on what's important.

Very blessed to be here!