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-Editorial
In a heartfelt ceremony brimming with anticipation and pride, friends and family converged at the Old Post Office Pavilion building in El Centro to witness a significant milestone—the pinning ceremony of the first Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) cohort graduates from Honor Health Sciences on October 6.
A diverse group of twenty students, each with their unique backgrounds and personalities, marked the culmination of an arduous journey. The path had been paved with countless hours of rigorous study, examinations, and practical training.
Hortencia Enriquez, hailing from El Centro, shared her sentiments about the transformative experience, stating, “It was a great experience, and I learned a lot. Dr. Jeffrey Chan has a wealth of knowledge, and he imparted invaluable insights about nursing. I admire and respect him immensely.”
Susana Reyna, another graduate, acknowledged that this achievement was once an improbable dream. However, with the unwavering guidance of Dr. Chan, she had reached this momentous milestone. “He is exceedingly passionate and wholeheartedly devoted to his students. He shares his wisdom generously, and we absorb every ounce of knowledge he imparts,” remarked Reyna.
Jaymee Chan, Vice-President of Honor Health Sciences, expressed his pride in the students’ diligence, acknowledging their exceptional dedication. “Many of them worked on weekends while facing daily quizzes and exams. I can hardly believe it’s been a year. This inaugural batch has not only learned from us but has also taught us valuable lessons,” said Chan.
Dr. Jeffrey Chan, President of Honor Health Sciences, admitted to mixed emotions, saying, “We are immensely proud of their achievements, but it’s also a bit bittersweet to see them go. We will continue to support and prepare them until they successfully pass the board exams. Hopefully, they will obtain their licenses by the end of this year or early next year. Our second-generation nursing students have already commenced their journey and will be taking their midterm exams next week.”
The second cohort of nursing students, Batch 2023-2024, commenced their studies on September 11, 2023.
The pinning ceremony, a venerable tradition in the nursing community, carries profound significance. It symbolizes the transition from student to practitioner and underscores the commitment to delivering exceptional care to those in need. Draped in their pristine white uniforms, each graduate now embarks on their career with a steadfast resolve to make a positive impact on the lives of their future patients.
Valedictorian Manuel Martinez, originally from Mexicali and now a resident of Calexico, addressed his fellow graduates, urging them to be compassionate and dedicated nurses. He shared his personal journey, emphasizing that Honor Health Sciences had provided him with a unique opportunity to pursue a nursing career despite lacking prior educational ties in the U.S.
Martinez reflected, “The alternative was two hours away from here, so the fact that it was right here in the Imperial Valley was the best choice for me. I have profound gratitude for our teachers and my fellow students. This was Jeffrey’s dream, and it allowed our dreams to come true.”
Honor Health Sciences’ vocational nursing program spans five terms, comprising a blend of didactic and clinical work conducted both on campus and at affiliated healthcare facilities. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate of achievement, rendering them eligible to sit for the National Licensure Examination. The program is approved and accredited by the BPPE (Bureau of Private Post Secondary Education) and BVNPT (Bureau of Vocational Nursing & Psychiatric Technicians Private). Each term spans ten weeks and is structured according to the regulations and requirements of the BVNPT, with curriculum development guided by nursing professionals boasting over two decades of experience.
As these graduates set forth into the world of healthcare, they carry with them not only their certificates but also the pride of their institution and the dreams that have become their reality through hard work, dedication, and unwavering support.
