Brittany Wood has always driven herself to excellence despite struggles with mental illness and a disease that rendered her visually impaired during childhood. Despite growing up next door to California State University, Long Beach, Brittany feared her dream of college was unattainable as her family was plagued by financial uncertainty and domestic violence. Yet, her ambition drove her to success.

Brittany is currently a third year nursing student in the Cal State Long Beach School of Nursing and has earned President’s Honor List recognition. Her hospitable temperament motivated Brittany to seek out extensive volunteering opportunities, and she won an Excellence in Service to Others award for documenting more than 1,000 hours of community service in 2015.

After enrolling in the accelerated Trimester Program, Brittany plans to graduate early and remain in her beloved hometown to practice as a Registered Nurse at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where she is currently completing her clinical requirements.