CBD College interviews Surgical Technology graduate Chinyere Oparaocha for it's November 2015 newsletter

1. Student Spotlight – Chinyere Oparaocha
When Surgical Technology Student Chinyere Oparaocha tore the ACL/PCL ligaments in his right knee,
he had to spend six months recovering. Many people would have let a setback like this derail their plan to
complete CBD College’s Surgical Tech Program, but after his recovery Oparaocha picked right back up
where he left off. He graduated May 8th, 2015, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to
interview him for our November newsletter.
Why did you choose CBD College?
“I knew CBD had a lot to offer, and everyone was so helpful when I was deciding which program to
attend. CBD’s faculty and staff as well as the students were all so friendly, and I realized the school was
one giant community. I also appreciated the fact that I saw more than one ethnic group represented in the
student body. This diversity really helped me to make the ultimate decision to join the program.”
How did you decide to pursue Surgical Technology?
“I have a genuine fascination with the human
body, particularly anatomy and physiology. I have
a lot of compassion in my heart, which is the
reason I am pursuing a career in healthcare. The
human body amazes me. As a Surgical Tech, I get
to see all of that. Everything a doctor would see, I
get to see. We work in surgery, in the ER, and we
get to see and experience the human anatomy and
physiology. This really piqued my curiosity, and
this is why I pursued this career.”
Now that you have graduated, where are you currently working?
“I just got hired at Harbor UCLA, LA County Hospital as a sterile processing tech! After experience, I
will be eligible to be a travel tech and to work abroad. I know this experience will make me more
marketable down the road. My long-term goal is to pave my way through undergrad and go through
medical school. My immediate goal is to stay at Harbor UCLA for two years to gain experience.”
Who was your favorite instructor at CBD?
“Mrs. V was a great instructor. I had anatomy and physiology with her. When I had my injury, I came
back too soon. Mrs. V assured me that the program would always be here and I would be able to come
back and continue whenever I was ready. She is well informed and could answer any and all of my
questions. I have a lot of respect for her because I could tell she has such a passion for healthcare and
medicine and teaching.”
What would you tell anyone who is interested in becoming a Surgical Tech?
“I would tell anyone who is interested in ST that this is a unique and highly coveted field. You have to
become experienced and work your butt off. Being an ST is not just about being knowledgeable; it is also
about earning the trust of the surgeon and being a part of a true team. TEAMWORK. Be prepared! CBD
will prepare you.”

2. What was your most difficult class at CBD?
“Definitely Orthopedic. The muscular system and skeletal system was difficult! It was fascinating, but
there so much information to master. The sheer quantity of information that you must memorize, and the
names and parts of the body…there is so much to learn.”
Why would you recommend someone choose CBD?
“CBD is a small school, but it is obviously growing. Every time I come back to the school, the facilities
are growing, which means more options for students. It is a great time to become a part of this experience.
CBD really cares about the students, and it has many, many options to help them, especially students who
are working and students with children. My issues were always addressed. If you trust the staff, they will
always produce.”
Before you go, would you like to give a shoutout to anyone?
“Jason and Nora are amazing! Jason just started, but he has been really motivational. He’s already been
through the entire process, and he’s been helping me a great deal from my first interview all the way until
now, when I was hired. He understood my passion for the medical field, and he was always offering
advice and giving me the motivation I needed to keep going.”
Visit us at www.CBD.edu and call at 877.770.4CBD/213.427.2200.