When Nicole Boyd began the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, she had never imagined herself standing at a podium in a lobby filled with Olympic College leaders, elected officials, and students at the Poulsbo Healthcare Expansion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. For years, Nicole felt her career path seemed uncertain, built around what she thought she should do rather than what she truly wanted. But as she shared with the audience at the ceremony, sometimes the most transformative journeys begin the moment we allow ourselves to imagine something different.
Olympic College recently marked a major milestone with the completion of a remodel that transformed its Poulsbo Campus into an advanced hub for healthcare education. To Nicole, the newly constructed facilities and state-of-the-art equipment at the Poulsbo campus were more than just impressive upgrades.
“This represents opportunities for students like me who took a leap into something completely different,” she said. “And this is an opportunity for the future of healthcare in our community.”
Before starting at Olympic College, Nicole spent years working in cafes and bars. While she enjoyed connecting with people, she craved a path that felt more authentic.
After four years in New Orleans, Nicole returned home to Washington, craving work that felt meaningful. On a whim, she enrolled at Olympic College.
“I hadn't really been in school for over 20 years, and I realized something in my first quarter that really surprised me: I actually love learning,” explained Nicole.
I realized something in my first quarter that really surprised me: I actually love learning
With steady encouragement from her brother, a nurse and one of her strongest supporters, she began exploring healthcare. His belief inspired Nicole to envision a new future for herself.
That exploration eventually led to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, one of five new academic programs launched during Phase 1 of the Healthcare Expansion Project. To her surprise, her experience in customer service had prepared her well.
“Years in the service industry have taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to pay attention to detail, how to make people feel comfortable, and these are skills that really matter deeply in healthcare,” she said.
Today, Nicole is a proud member of Olympic College’s inaugural Diagnostic Medical Sonography cohort. She describes her colleagues as a small but mighty group.
“On our very first day, we defined our culture with three words – Respect, collaboration, and compassion. We respect each other’s journeys because every one of us took a different path to get here.
“As the first cohort of these programs, we’re not just learning in these classrooms. We’re helping build a legacy the future students will carry forward.”
Nicole closed her speech by offering heartfelt thanks to the faculty, donors, and community members who have made these opportunities possible.
“As we cut this ribbon today, we're not just opening programs, we're opening doors – doors to discovery, to compassion, and to the future of healthcare right here at Olympic College.”
Visit the OC website to find out how you can support our efforts to expand access to healthcare education in Kitsap County.
Watch Nicole's full speech on YouTube.