From Community College to Career Success
Western Governors University (WGU) and San Juan College (SJC) signed an agreement in May to provide students and employees with clear pathways to earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees from WGU. The partnership will help more New Mexicans obtain business, healthcare, education and IT degrees. During the partnership event, graduates Miranda Arreola and Amber Dick shared their educational experiences.
For WGU alumni Miranda Arreola and Amber Dick, education is a journey marked by resilience, commitment and the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of life’s challenges. Their educational paths are powerful testaments to what is possible when determination meets opportunity and highlight the importance of accessible education from community college through bachelor’s and master’s programs. They also highlight the unique pathways that WGU’s flexible, competency-based learning models provide.
Community College Foundations
Miranda and Amber began their educational journeys at SJC in Farmington, a community of 46,000 in the Four Corners region of New Mexico. SJC provided the foundational knowledge to help them toward their long-term goals.
Miranda took dual credit courses at SJC during high school. Her early start allowed her to seamlessly transition into the nursing program, and she graduated with honors in nursing and liberal arts in 2019.
Amber’s journey began with an associate’s degree in health information technology in 2010, which launched her career in medical billing and coding and set the stage for her future growth.
For both, SJC was more than just a place to earn a degree. It was a community that fostered growth and laid the groundwork for their careers. Their experiences demonstrate how community colleges serve as accessible gateways to higher education, equipping students with practical skills and a sense of accomplishment early on.
The Leap to Higher Education and WGU’s Role
Miranda and Amber decided to continue their education through WGU after establishing their careers. Miranda, driven by her desire to advance in the healthcare field, completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing in just one term, leveraging her knowledge in the field and the online, self-paced model of WGU to balance her studies with full-time work and motherhood. After completing her undergraduate work, she pursued a master’s degree and became a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and women’s health provider at Innovation Medical Group.
Amber, who had a thriving career in health information technology, felt the need to complete her bachelor’s degree. Thirteen years after earning her associate’s, she enrolled in WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) program. Like Miranda, Amber embraced the competency-based learning model, completing her degree in seven months. This achievement led to her role as revenue integrity supervisor at Inova.
Both women used WGU’s flexible learning environment to accelerate their studies without sacrificing their professional or personal lives. This unique model enabled them to advance their careers while staying rooted in their communities, working full-time, and raising families.
WGU graduates (L) Amber Dick, (R) Miranda Arreola
Two Paths, One Goal
Unique challenges and triumphs marked Miranda’s and Amber’s paths while pursuing advanced education through WGU. Miranda balanced late-night study sessions with feeding her newborn, often completing coursework from her cell phone while attending her daughter’s dance classes. Amber’s journey was shaped by personal resilience, including losing a child and fulfilling a long-held dream to earn her bachelor’s degree. Both women exemplify resilience and dedication, proving that neither distance nor life’s hurdles can stand in the way of achieving one’s goals.
Miranda’s pursuit led her to a clinical role as an FNP, directly impacting patient care, while Amber’s path steered her toward leadership in healthcare administration, influencing policies and workflows. Their stories underscore the diversity of opportunities available through continued education and the empowerment that comes with it.
Resilience and Community Connection
Miranda and Amber’s stories are not just about academic success but about the power of resilience, community support and the life-changing impact of accessible education. From community college beginnings to advanced degrees, they have shown that education is not just a path to a career—it’s a journey that strengthens communities, empowers individuals and inspires future generations.
Partnerships like the one between WGU and SJC allow more students to forge their paths, just as Miranda and Amber have. Their stories remind us that education is also about perseverance, community and pursuing dreams. Miranda explains, “My family is the reason I pushed myself to be where I am today…but the reason I chose WGU is because they supported my ability to care for and support my family while earning my degrees with them.”
If you are considering advancing your education while balancing work and family, explore the possibilities with WGU’s flexible and supportive learning environment. Amber’s advice: “If you’re self-motivated and committed, WGU is unmatched in value. It’s a university that empowers you to take charge of your future, on your schedule, and on your terms.”
