Masters Direct Entry Student Profile: Cynthia Tiangco-Withers

Patients (and their families) depend on us during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, and it is essential that they are met with care that is evidence-based, culturally competent, and person-centered. Nurses are uniquely positioned to provide that holistic care.

Please tell us a bit about yourself; where are you from, and what do you like to do in your spare time?

I am originally from California but moved here with my family in 2019. In my spare time, I love spending time with my kids – they are just really cool people, and we have a lot of fun together. I am also an avid runner and have run marathons and ultramarathons in my pre-masters-direct-entry (MDE) program life. I love a good book and have recently found a passion for gardening. Road trips are also a favorite pastime, in fact, my kids and I drove here when we moved from the West Coast – a two-week cross-country adventure! 
 

Why did you decide to pursue nursing, and why did you choose Columbia? 

I am coming to nursing after a career in graphic design, which I transitioned out of following the birth of our youngest kid. Not an easy decision, but it was the right one, as I was no longer inspired by my craft. I’m in my 40s and I felt that whatever I did moving forward had to be in service of something bigger. I felt a calling towards nursing, particularly after COVID-19, and found Columbia’s OPEN Program. Enrolling in that program allowed me to fully realize my passion for nursing, and from there I applied to Columbia’s MDE Program. 

I have a deep appreciation for the accessibility these programs afforded me as a parent and second-career student. Additionally, the caliber of education we receive at Columbia is unmatched – the curriculum is challenging and forward-thinking and the clinical experience is innovative and hands-on. The professors and clinical instructors are not only experts in their field but are truly passionate about educating the next generation of nurses.

What are you passionate about, and how has being a student at Columbia Nursing allowed you to follow that passion? 

I am very passionate about patient care, particularly providing equitable care to those traditionally disenfranchised by our health care system. Patients (and their families) depend on us during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, and it is essential that they are met with care that is evidence-based, culturally competent, and person-centered. Nurses are uniquely positioned to provide that holistic care, and Columbia Nursing is committed to ensuring that we are well prepared to do so. 

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Columbia Nursing? 

To say that this experience has been transformative would be an understatement. While challenging, it has been extremely rewarding, and there are so many impactful moments that I will cherish. I am incredibly proud of our 2024 cohort – we are a resilient group that I am lucky to be a part of, especially my clinical group. One of my favorite memories is celebrating the end of the fall semester with a Secret Santa exchange and karaoke after our last clinical rotation. Nothing like belting out “Don’t Stop Believin’” together to celebrate making it halfway through MDE! 

What are your next steps after graduation? 

Sleep, and take my family on a celebratory vacation, they deserve it as much as I do! Then, like most of my cohort, I intend to sit for the NCLEX and work as an RN before continuing my studies at Columbia through the DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Program in 2025. My passion since entering this program has always been to be at the bedside with a focus on emergency department nursing, but I am excited about continuing my education and the opportunities the DNP program will afford me in the future!