American Career College pinning ceremonies can be an emotional experience for students, parents and loved ones. Even program directors.
Despite having attended several pinning ceremonies as an instructor, ACC-Orange County physical therapy assistant program director Janice Lwin found herself getting a little choked up at the most recent one — her first as the PTA program director.
"Being my first pinning ceremony as director, it really meant a lot to see all these students and seeing all the great support from their family and friends," Lwin said.
Prior to the pinning, the 32 PTA grads and their families were able to tour the physical therapy and occupational therapy facilities at West Coast University's Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles. During the event, valedictorian Anthony Peairs addressed the cohort and shared a 10-minute video filled with fun moments from their time together. WCU occupational therapy professor Heather Thomas was the keynote speaker.
"It was a really special occasion for all of us. I always get emotional because I just love to see all these students and their passion. I just think it's fulfilling," Lwin said. "The sky's the limit for this group. I think they're on track to save lives."
