When Western New Mexico University graduates Megan Custer and Itzela Darkenwald walked across the Commencement stage in December, their journeys were already part of a larger story. The two were among ten students featured on The College Tour this year, a nationally broadcast program that showcased the unique experiences of WNMU students. Now, as they embark on new chapters, their stories are a testament to the vibrant campus community that helped shape their paths to success.
Custer, who played volleyball for WNMU and earned a BAS in Kinesiology in 2022, received her BSN this fall with plans to enter the nursing field in her hometown of El Paso. Her immediate goal is to pass the NCLEX, the licensure test required of all nurses, and then she will seek work close to family and friends in Texas.
While Custer has been interested in health care for a long time, she credits the WNMU School of Nursing and Kinesiology for helping her to better identify and hone her interests. “Nursing school has given me many opportunities to explore many avenues within the hospital setting such as emergency room, ICU, med-surg, labor and delivery, oncology, long term care, and even case management,” said Custer. “I have really found a strong interest in the world of critical care, so I will likely be pursuing a job in that realm of the hospital.”
Entering the field of nursing has been a transformative experience for Custer. “I have met the most incredible people at WNMU and have formed friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime,” she explained. “I truly feel that my patience, consideration, empathy, and confidence have increased tenfold due to both my nursing practice and due to the wonderful people I have encountered along the journey.”
For Darkenwald, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Outdoor Leadership, the time at WNMU has also been transformative. “This school has equipped me with all the knowledge, skills, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, and breathtaking sceneries that I could ever ask for,” said Darkenwald. “I have found my voice and who I really am at WNMU, and because of that I am ready and excited to step into a new chapter of my life.”
That next chapter will involve a move to Albuquerque to become an outdoor experience leader at Albuquerque Academy, an independent, nonprofit college preparatory school. Starting in the spring, Darkenwald will be guiding backpacking trips for the academy’s middle school and high school experiential education programs.
The position is exactly what her undergraduate work has prepared her for, said Darkenwald. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my passion for education and the outdoors with others, especially youth,” she said. “It feels like I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my life’s path and I have the WNMU community to thank for that.”
Darkenwald added that being featured on The College Tour was also an important part of her educational path, as it allowed her to advocate for the outdoor programs at WNMU. “I hope others find our episode and see the beautiful opportunities this campus and the Gila provide for personal and educational growth,” she said.