Dr. Wendy Nomura

What fears or anxieties did you have about going to college?

I myself was a first-generation college student; I am the first in my family to receive a Bachelor’s degree, and the only one to receive a Masters or Doctorate. My parents had community college backgrounds, but no understanding of the University process. The Catalog became my best friend. I read it forwards and backwards to understand the University workings. My second-best friend was the Career Center Library. My second quarter, I was there for 1-3 hours a week reading career descriptions and the accompanying academic requirements. This led me to transfer from UCI as a double major in Biology and Chemistry to CSULB and my Physical Therapy career, but also meant that only two of 12 courses from my freshman year counted towards my degree. In today’s climate, that year of career exploration potentially would have kept me from graduating with the degree that was right for me.

  • PhD, Michigan State University
  • M.Mus., Northern Arizona University
  • B.S., Ball State University

  1. I believe it is essential that first-gen students actively seek career paths in their first year to keep on track towards graduation.
  2. Read, read and read. Read your syllabus, read your assignment instructions, read the catalog, read all of the material presented in classes.
  3. If after reading you still have questions, then ask. Reading can help you figure out what you don't know.

I am a quilter, I self taught myself to sew, then took some college classes after getting my bachelors. I don't like sewing clothing because by the time I am done it doesn't fit or is out of style. Quilts are timeless. I have just taken up knitting, my daughter is teaching me. This was so I can have some hand work that easily goes with me and my husband when we take our trailer to see the great outdoors. Hiking is my favorite exercise.

  1. My husband
  2. My travel trailer
  3. A kindle with every book on it

As a physical therapist most of my work was in geriatric rehabilitation. I also served as the 4-H county council president (yes there is 4-H in the city), taught sewing, leadership, arts & crafts, scrap booking and community service groups. Both my husband and I are retired AYSO Referees.

I teach in the Health Science Department, I have taught Introduction to Health Science, Community Health, Contemporary Health Issues, Introduction to Research Methods, and Human Sexuality. I also work for the Center for Health Equity Research.