Pacifica Alumna Hired at Hoag's Emergency Department

Out of many applicants, she was one of only 6 selected.

When Pacifica alumna Maggie O’Callaghan (’20) sat down for a high-stakes, multi-panel interview with Hoag Irvine’s Emergency Department, she wasn't intimidated.

She was ready.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Maggie’s recent hire as an Emergency Department Tech as she finishes her journey to becoming a Registered Nurse! Her path to this competitive role is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Securing a spot in a top-tier emergency department right out of school is no small feat. But if you ask Maggie, the foundation for handling that pressure was built right in our classrooms.

The frequency with which I was asked thoughtful, in-depth questions in the classroom at Pacifica helped prepare me to approach situations with calmness and confidence and to answer questions thoughtfully.

Maggie O’Callaghan '20

How Pacifica Prepares Students for "All of Life"

Prospective families often ask us how a smaller, tight-knit high school environment benefits students in the long run. Maggie’s success perfectly illustrates three core pillars of the Pacifica experience:

• Confidence Under Pressure: Our discussion-heavy classrooms train students to articulate their thoughts critically and clearly, turning intimidating panel interviews into natural conversations.
• The Art of Connection: Because of Pacifica's size, Maggie learned to build meaningful relationships with people from all different backgrounds—a skill she now uses daily to connect with patients and coworkers.
• Character & Resilience: By emphasizing what it means to think and live well, Pacifica instilled in Maggie a deep sense of joy, clarity, and faith that allows her to bring light into the fast-paced, often difficult environment of an ER.

Maggie, we are so proud of the good work you are doing in our community. You are a shining example of what happens when academic rigor meets compassionate character.

Discover the Pacifica Difference. Want to see how our community prepares students for college, career, and a life of purpose? Visit our Admissions Page to schedule a visit or learn more about our application process.