From L.A. to Iowa: How Leilani Rocha ’24 found her path at Coe College
When Leilani Rocha first received mail from Coe College in her Los Angeles mailbox, she had no idea it would lead her to a transformative college experience 1,810 miles away in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Now a 2024 graduate with a major in sociology, Rocha is ecstatic about how her Coe journey shaped her future in health care administration.
"At first, I didn't have Coe on my radar," Rocha admits. "But after seeing that Coe had the small campus aspect I was searching for and the ability to explore the liberal arts, I decided to apply." Rocha’s decision to attend Coe was influenced by the promise of a close-knit community. "I knew how important it was for me to be in a college that would allow me opportunities to connect with faculty and staff on an individual basis," she said.
Despite beginning her college career remotely due to the pandemic, Rocha quickly found ways to engage with campus from afar. She joined TRIO and became a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. When she moved on campus in her second year, she was greeted warmly on the steps of Gage Memorial Union by friends and staff she had met virtually.
Throughout the rest of her time at Coe, Rocha took full advantage of the opportunities available. She worked as a tutor and student coordinator in the Learning Commons, and served as president for multiple student organizations.Leilani's academic journey at Coe was marked by exploration and discovery. Initially declaring as a physics major, she later found her passion in sociology and health & society studies. "That's the amazing advantage about Coe," she says. "You can explore other options!"
Many of her most formative classroom experiences took place in the state-of-the-art Peterson Hall of Science and next door in the David and Janice McInally Center for Health & Society (CHS). Within the CHS, Rocha explored health-related pathways outside of direct care careers. She received crucial advising and mentoring that opened her eyes to the impactful possibilities across the health care industry.
Now, Rocha is interning as a behavioral health program coordinator for a Fortune 500 health care company and is set to begin her master's in health care administration at Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles. She credits Coe for broadening her perspective on health care careers beyond traditional clinical roles — a pillar of the purpose of the CHS. "Thanks to Coe, I was able to explore the health care field outside of the traditional jobs of doctor or nurse," Rocha explains. "It puts into perspective that so much good work is done through an administrative side, which I have found I am passionate about and great at."
As she looks to the future, Rocha aspires to earn a doctorate and become a health care director for a company or hospital. Her advice to current and future Kohawks? "Take full advantage of all that Coe has to offer. Don't be afraid to try new courses, get involved in extracurricular activities or engage with faculty and staff. You never know what great relationships or opportunities could come from the things you least expected to try!"
Rocha’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of a liberal arts education and the unique opportunities available at Coe. Her story serves as an inspiration for students seeking to explore their passions and forge their own paths in the world of higher education and beyond.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting extracurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.