Research, Resilience & Goodbyes - Viaa colleague on PhD Exchange at APU

Our Viaa colleague, Joanne Lassche, is on an international exchange at the School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University (APU), California as part of her PhD studies at VID University (Norway). Her PhD research focuses on how nursing students develop competencies in spiritual care. She was in the US until the end of March and reflects on her experiences, both personally and professionally.

Azusa Pacific University | Weeks 7–10
The final weeks of my exchange brought a mix of travel, deep research, inspiring encounters, and some unexpected challenges. From the awe of the Grand Canyon to the nerves of a research symposium, here’s a look back at the last stretch of my time in the U.S.

Week 7 – Exploring Arizona & A New Perspective

This week took me beyond California to Arizona, where I stayed with Dr. Pam Cone and her husband. A seven-hour FlixBus ride through the desert—complete with a sandstorm and delays—was an adventure in itself!

“Watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon was a moment of pure awe and reflection.”

In Prescott, I was welcomed into their family and had deep conversations about nursing, education, and spirituality. We took a road trip through seven ecosystems, visited Native American reservations, and witnessed the Grand Canyon at both sunrise and sunset. The breathtaking landscapes offered a powerful reset—mentally and academically.

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Week 8 – Research Focus & A New Stage
“Sometimes progress is just showing up, staying focused, and trusting the process.”

After the Arizona trip, I dove back into research mode. I managed to condense 700 pages of interviews onto a single flip chart—an intense but satisfying task.

Meanwhile, I prepared for the upcoming APU Research Symposium, which had been rescheduled to fit my visit. I pitched the idea of adding a short talk alongside my poster—on healing from trauma, a recurring theme in my data. To my surprise, they said yes.

This week also marked “Biddag voor gewas en arbeid” back home. To reflect, I attended APU’s Chapel service. The packed hall, the live music, and even sealed communion cups (efficient and gluten-free!) made it a memorable moment of cultural and spiritual contrast.

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Week 9 – Connections, Contrasts & Encouragement

With the sun returning after days of rain, I went hiking with Kim along the Coldy Trail—beautiful views and good conversation.

A tough supervision meeting on Monday left me feeling behind, but later that day, I met Quincy, a PhD student researching burnout and spirituality. We clicked instantly and talked for hours. Her kindness was just what I needed.

Midweek, I visited a high-end assisted living facility by the coast—complete with pet-friendly rooms and AI-powered fall detection. Impressive as it was, it also reminded me of how unequal access to care remains—even in progressive California.

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“In a single conversation, someone can remind you why you started.”

Back in Azusa, I also had the honor of meeting Dr. Beth Johnston Taylor, a nursing professor and pioneer in spirituality research. Her warmth and insight made a lasting impression.

Week 10 – Symposium Nerves & Last Goodbyes

You’d think things would wind down—but this week was full of surprises. After a slightly nerve-wracking trip to the hairdresser, I finally rode the APU campus trolley (a small but meaningful bucket list item). But then: disaster struck. A water leak left our house without running water for days. On Wednesday, I checked into a nearby hotel. That evening, I took a proper shower and finally got to sleep along Route 66.

On Thursday came the big moment: the APU Research Symposium. I presented both a poster and a short talk. The turnout was huge, and the response overwhelming. “We had no idea this kind of research was happening in Norway and the Netherlands,” one visitor said.

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On Saturday, I threw a “Dutch Dankjewel Dinner” – stamppot buffet included! The Dutch dishes were surprisingly well received, and the apple pie was a hit.

“The hardest goodbyes often mean the experience was truly special.”

As I packed my bags, I realize how much this experience has shaped me—not only as a researcher but as a person. I came here for academic growth, and I’m leaving with friendships, insights, and memories I’ll carry with me for a long time.