LAVC nursing student Knarik Vardanyan began attending Los Angeles Valley College in 2019. As an immigrant, a mother, and a student adjusting to a new culture, language, and educational system, she knew continuing her education would not be easy. She was balancing family and financial responsibilities while trying to create a more stable future.
Before entering LAVC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program (ADN), Knarik earned four associate degrees and two certificates and was recognized multiple times on the Dean’s Honor List and President’s Honor List as both a full-time and part-time student. She also worked as a student worker in the CalWORKs department, where she experienced the program from both sides: as a student-parent receiving support and as a student-worker helping others.
“My son is my biggest motivation and reminds me every day why I cannot give up,” Knarik says. She wants him to grow up to understand that education and hard work can change one’s life.
After graduation, Knarik plans to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and begin working as a registered nurse. In the future, Knarik hopes to open a home health agency where she can provide compassionate care and help patients and families feel supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.