Lauren Woll
Year Graduated: 
2014

Registered Nurse

Barnes Jewish Hospital

Job description

I currently work as an ICU nurse at an academic teaching hospital, in my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the Spanish Language degree as it allowed for study abroad experiences and as Spanish language skills are an invaluable tool in our diverse, multilingual country. I didn't have a specific idea of what my career would look like at the time, and because of that I knew the financial and temporal commitment to a bachelor's degree needed to result in a useful, applicable skill set that I'd enjoy immersing myself in.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

I ended up pivoting to a career in nursing. This program prepared me with advanced language skills, teaching experiences, and cultural competency that remains relevant and useful to this day.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

Arcata, California and Humboldt State are unique, wonderful places to establish community. The natural beauty of the California Coast combined with the small size of Arcata and the University itself allowed me to feel at home quickly—I still miss Arcata and HSU to this day! The program was diverse, had tons of international faculty, and allowed for flexible study abroad opportunities.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Choosing to study Spanish at HSU was one of the best decisions I made for myself. My work in healthcare and my love for travel regularly benefit from my bachelor's degree. I felt supported by and close to the faculty and other students—very much like a family.

Christina Baldwin, 2016 »
Spanish Teacher
Chicago Public School

Damian Kelsey, 2020 »
Document Translation
First 5 of Humboldt

Lauren Woll, 2014 »
Registered Nurse
Barnes Jewish Hospital

Erisan Villafana Torres, 2020 »
Bilingual/Biliterate Community/Family Liaison
Humboldt County Office of Education

Binta Wright, 2018 »
Office Manager
HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation


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