Janae Radke

Before starting her studies with the Nursing program, Janae Radke had already put in some dedicated years with her education. She'd earned a bachelor's degree in international and intercultural studies, graduating cum laude, and even won an award for best department thesis. But she longed for added challenge, sought a path with deeper impact.

"Nurses are in a unique position to support and care for people on some of their worst days, and I think it is an honor to do that work," she says. "It is also an incredibly varied field with constant opportunities to continue learning and challenging yourself."

Planning to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while working, Radke has a goal of becoming an emergency department RN and, ultimately, a nurse practitioner. "I want to become a nurse practitioner to deepen my understanding of pathophysiology and disease processes."

She was named Oregon's New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, a student honor co-sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges — the only Oregon community college student to earn that accolade. Additionally, Radke has kept a 4.0 GPA at COCC and was one of four students to represent the college on the All-Oregon Academic Team.

"The faculty at COCC are amazing," she adds, reflecting on her time at COCC. "They truly want you to succeed and support you in doing so."