“Not having actual study habits was something I struggled with,” said Amani Norwood, a senior Biology student. “To get through this I had to take the time to sit down and actually plan out assignments and do some group studying.

“PNW actually wasn’t my first choice,” she said “I got pregnant with my daughter during my freshman year of college. At the time I was going to school out of state.

“I transferred here and had to balance being a full-time mom, full-time student and working part time,” Norwood said. “I overcame this challenge because my family and my daughter’s father would help babysit when needed.”

Senior Criminal Justice major Vanessa Ramirez said she learned how to cope with stress.

“I dealt with many obstacles during my time here, anxiety and many distractions being some of the few,” she said. “I overcame them by eating healthily and exercising regularly, while finding support in friends.

“PNW was my first choice because of the Criminal Justice program,” said Ramirez. “The positive campus environment and culture is what made me stay.”

Part of that environment is the faculty.

“My [Criminal Justice] professor Nicky Jackson provided great opportunities for my success and cultivated an authentic learning experience that was unique in its own,” she said. 

Both students plan to take a brief break, then start focusing on graduate studies.

For Ramirez, the break involves sightseeing.

“I plan to travel and then continue my education in graduate school,” she said. 

Norwood plans some rest and recreation.

“I am currently working in a healthcare lab and will take the rest of December off from school to relax and rest,” she said. “In January, I will begin MCAT studying and prep while continuing to work in the lab.”