2025 PSD Science Engineering Math: Dominique Waddell
The Charger Experience Program brought Dominique to Cypress College, and the academics, clubs, and community kept her here. She is goal-oriented, and knew early on that she wanted to be a Physicians Assistant. Although nearly failing high school biology, Dominique stayed the course and pursued SEM classes in college.
After a Cell and Molecular Biology class at Cypress solidified her commitment to life sciences, she gained access to new opportunities. She qualified to be a Supplemental Instruction Leader, helping tutor students, and became involved in the STEM2 Program, which offered workshops and events to students in her field. She felt able to help students and reach her goals at the same time.
Her next step is to earn a B.S. in Biology from UC Irvine, and then go on to achieve a Masters of Physician’s Assistant Studies. Ultimately she wants to help underserved communities and make a difference. Dominique appreciates the support and inspiration on-campus services provided to her as she reached the goal of completing her associate degree.
“Throughout my time at Cypress College, I have taken the time to learn about and use almost every resource available on campus. From the Health Center, academic counselors, and even the Transfer Center, I have stepped foot in nearly every major resource available to Cypress students and can definitely say that I wouldn’t have been as successful without them. The Tutoring Center and the Supplemental Instruction Program have taught me the necessary study skills and habits that have also played a role in my academic success. STEM2 has also allowed me to network with other students and faculty and has provided opportunities to expand my experiences as a pre-PA student.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Anaheim and attended Cypress High School, so I’ve always been aware of Cypress College and passed by the campus all the time growing up. Since I was a kid, I’ve been deeply interested in the biological sciences and wanted to understand how things work both in real life and within the human body, watching Animal Planet documentaries and How It’s Made. However, after taking general biology in high school and nearly failing the first semester, it seemed like it wasn’t the right path anymore. I also was a student athlete, participating in track and field all four years and was even projected to sprint at the college level at a different college.
However, the summer after graduating, I began to reflect upon my future and the path to get towards my dreams of becoming a Physician’s Assistant (PA). From there, I knew that a change in priorities was necessary and felt it was best to switch schools and my major from kinesiology to biology and fully focus on my studies. It was a bit of a gamble considering my experiences and the fact that I was still working part-time jobs but knew it would help me to finish the prerequisites necessary for PA school. I began to take the STEM classes necessary for my degree like General Chemistry but taking Cell and Molecular Biology my first year helped to solidify my choice in switching majors as it had sparked a new interest that I had never expected. This newfound interest had opened up many opportunities for me, even landing a job as a Supplemental Instruction Leader on campus for the same exact course I fell in love with. Cypress College allowed me to come to terms with what I wanted to do with my future and helped me gain the skills and experiences necessary for success.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
When I was a kid, I loved helping my teachers pass out papers, complete any small tasks, and was always willing to lend a helping hand toward my peers and other staff members. Additionally, I had always volunteered at my church growing up, taking the time to help my community and the ministries part of my church. Because of this, I knew that I was passionate about helping others from a young age, which is reflected in my current job as an SI leader and my dream career of becoming a Physician’s Assistant.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose to attend Cypress College as my high school had greatly promoted the Charger Experience program for two years of free tuition and I also live close by, making it extremely convenient to commute back and forth. I also chose Cypress as I had relatives who also attended and later, I became aware of the high quality of education that they provide here, especially in the SEM division.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
While at Cypress College, I have been involved in the STEM2 Program which has provided me access to events and workshops that give me a glimpse as to what I can expect upon transferring and when entering the medical field. I have also been involved in the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program as a student, an SI leader, and a mentor, giving me the opportunity to help students in the same ways I was helped during my academic journey. Everything I have learned through these programs has allowed me to strive towards my goals and develop into the person and student I am today.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
A memorable event I experienced while being a Cypress College student was getting my car broken into during a field trip to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for my Ecology and Physiology course. Luckily, none of my belongings were stolen but it was still a bit inconvenient. A couple of classmates and I still went to the beach after and enjoyed the rest of the day, which was pretty fun.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
There are several staff members and faculty at Cypress whom I’d like to thank and have made an immense impact on my academic journey:
Dr. Adel Rajab who inspired me to pursue a degree in cell and molecular biology and has always made every topic interesting and fun. His uplifting attitude and strong personality helped me become who I am today. I have taken two classes with Dr. Rajab and I owe much of my success in Biology to his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the subject, allowing me to discover my own fascination for the field itself.
Dr. Fumio Ogoshi who has constantly shared his continuous passion and knowledge in Biology and has provided me with the best advice and mentorship while working alongside him. He embodies success, and teaches everyone who he crosses paths with, the way to it. Thank you for trusting me to become your SI leader for the past two years and for your constant support and guidance.
Dr. Craig Tomooka who made Organic Chemistry interesting and enjoyable and for always sharing the national day to the class. Thank you for inspiring me to always do above and beyond and for sharing your academic journey as someone who has also grown up locally. Your advice towards transferring and pursuing higher degree levels has followed me up to this very moment and has played a role in my own personal success.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Janelle Salina, Veronica Del Campo, everyone in the LRC, and my coworkers through the SI program for every bit of support and help they have provided me as a student and as an SI leader. Becoming an SI leader has been one of the most rewarding experiences and I couldn’t have asked for a better team of people to work with.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Throughout my time at Cypress College, I have taken the time to learn about and use almost every resource available on campus. From the Health Center, academic counselors, and even the Transfer Center, I have stepped foot in nearly every major resource available to Cypress students and can definitely say that I wouldn’t have been as successful without them. The Tutoring Center and the Supplemental Instruction Program have taught me the necessary study skills and habits that have also played a role in my academic success. STEM2 has also allowed me to network with other students and faculty and has provided opportunities to expand my experiences as a pre-PA student.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
After completing my studies and earning my AST in Biology, I plan on transferring and completing the rest of my biology undergraduate degree at The University of California Irvine (UCI).
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long term goal is to obtain my Masters in Physician’s Assistant Studies to become a practicing physician’s assistant in possibly Pediatrics or Orthopedics. I aspire to provide medical care to those in underserved communities and make a difference in my community.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of this award, as it serves as a reminder of all the hard work and dedication that I have put towards becoming the best student and person I can be. It physically proves to me that all the hours I spent in office hours, late nights studying, days in the lab or in lecture, as well as the days I’ve spent struggling have all allowed me to become a successful individual.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
Some advice I’d give to current and future Cypress College students is to ask for help when you need it. Everyone at Cypress College, from fellow students to professors and other faculty, are all willing to help out as much as they can and support you through your academic journey. Classes aren’t always the easiest but creating a community can make it all feel a bit bearable. Another bit of advice is to take your time through your journey. There is so much time to reach your goals, so work hard and do whatever is best for yourself as a student. Finally, believe in yourself. As long as you have belief in yourself, the sky’s the limit and you’ll be able to achieve anything you can dream of.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I want to thank my family, my mom, dad, and sister, as they have been my main pillars of support and always have guided me and supported me through all things I have gone through. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to get through a lot of what I’ve had to go through. As for my classmates, thank you for showing me what community is and for us all supporting each other through all the challenges we’ve faced. The journey through these difficult classes would not have been possible without the community I’ve been a part of. You guys have all proved to me what the true meaning of Cypress College is and how anyone can find support anywhere.