Student Spotlights - Indiana Center
Blessed Dominic
Hometown: Originally from Uyo, Nigeria, now residing in Indiana, PA
Major: Nursing
About Blessed
For Blessed Dominic, nursing is more than a profession—it’s a language that speaks
to a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Inspired by the way nurses seem
to communicate in a unique, shared language, Blessed dreams of one day “speaking that
language” too. With the goal of becoming a travel nurse, Blessed looks forward to
the opportunity to help others in various communities around the world.
Blessed’s choice to attend Westmoreland County Community College was initially practical. “It was all about what made sense: a school I could afford, with the course I wanted, and not too far from home,” she shared. But as she reflects, this choice led to something much more meaningful than she expected. Moving from Nigeria brought a whirlwind of change, and Blessed initially felt invisible in the new environment. However, a visit to Center Director Jennifer Eckels’ office at Westmoreland was a turning point—it was the first time she felt truly seen and understood without having to explain herself.
Blessed describes her experience at Westmoreland as a place of growth—“not in a hard, draining way, but in a peaceful and steady way.” It’s a space where she can move at her own pace, knowing the college supports her journey. Westmoreland, she says, has given her a home and a place to embrace the person she’s becoming.
Erica Miller
Hometown: Indiana, PA
Major: Nursing
About Erica
Driven by a passion for helping others, Erica Miller’s journey into nursing is deeply
personal. After experiencing an undiagnosed seizure four years ago, Erica developed
a special interest in Neurology. Her experience inspired her to pursue nursing, hoping
to help others understand this complex and essential area of medicine.
Upon completing her A.A. in Nursing at Westmoreland County Community College, Erica plans to further her education by pursuing a B.S.N. online, with a future goal of earning a master’s in nursing. While she’s still exploring which area of nursing to specialize in, she’s dedicated to advancing her career and expertise.
Erica chose Westmoreland specifically for its highly recommended Nursing program, hearing praise from several alumni who spoke highly of their experiences. Her own journey has included “ups and downs,” as she describes, with each semester presenting new challenges that strengthen her commitment to completing her degree. She credits the staff and fellow students for their support, sharing that each person she’s met has played a part in her success.
Balancing her studies, work, and being a mother to twin 11-year-olds, Erica is determined to show her children that dedication can make anything possible. Her journey has also included overcoming addiction, completing a 30-day rehabilitation program, and finding hope in difficult times. Erica’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the strength to pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Cora Kushner
Hometown: Indiana, PA
Major: Psychology/Art Therapy
About Cora
As she explores her career path, Cora Kushner is drawn to the field of art therapy—a
blend of her love for the arts and her empathy for others. With an innate passion
for creating, observing, and connecting through art and music, Cora feels most confident
in her artistic abilities. Friends and family often note her maturity and compassion,
and she’s humbled by the trust others place in her. Though she’s still considering
her options, Cora hopes that with more experience, she’ll find confidence in her decision
to help others through art therapy.
Her future plans include transferring to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree, with the possibility of advancing to a master’s in her chosen field. While she’s still weighing her options, she’s eager to find a career that resonates with her passions and brings her fulfillment.
Cora chose Westmoreland County Community College because it offered the flexibility, support, and affordability she needed while making such an important decision. “I was worried about making a mistake,” she shared, noting that Westmoreland came highly recommended by her high school. Her experience so far has been positive, with challenging classes and an encouraging environment that makes her feel comfortable being herself.
Despite her young age, Cora has faced personal challenges, including managing OCD, anxiety, and misophonia. She views these experiences as strengths that allow her to empathize with others, especially those navigating similar struggles. For Cora, each challenge has shaped her into a more understanding and resilient person, ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Troy Marhefka
Hometown: Originally from North Carolina, now residing in Johnstown, PA
Major: Safety Science
About Troy
With a passion for ensuring safety in high-risk environments, Troy Marhefka chose
to pursue a career in Safety Science. His work experiences in dangerous settings sparked
an interest in performing challenging tasks safely—a skill he's eager to bring to
future roles.
As a non-traditional student, returning to school after ten years, Troy found Westmoreland County Community College to be the ideal environment for reentering the education system. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Westmoreland has been a nice transition back to school for me.”
Beyond academics, Troy's story is one of resilience. As a recovering addict, he's overcome a decade of challenges, turning his life around and proving that it’s “better late than never.” Troy is determined to use his experiences to make a positive impact in the workforce, with a focus on helping others work safely and effectively.
Troy’s journey reminds us all that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and make a difference.