I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. I think it came from wanting to take care of my parents and loved ones. When they complained about something hurting, I wanted to know what was causing it so that I could take the pain away. What was happening inside their body and should I be worried?
I never gave much thought as to what field of nursing I wanted to be in, until May 2020 when my aunt passed away from colon cancer at the age of 44. Later that year I began working at a cancer center as a medical assistant and fell in love with the job, at this point in my life I had never had a job I fully heartily cared about. I wanted to learn everything I could and had the blessing of working alongside physicians and nurse practitioners who were willing to teach me along the way. I slowly began to build rapport with patients and learn their stories. I loved hearing them say I was the reason they didn't hate coming in to see their oncologist.
Having immigrant parents who don't speak well English, I know how much of a disadvantage that can be to them especially when it comes to their health. I know my parents would sometimes not tell the doctor all of their concerns because they didn't know how to say them in English and the doctor was too busy to take the time to sit there and guess what they were trying to say. Instead, they would just nod their heads that they understood and agreed with the doctor's order. When there is something wrong with your body being able to tell healthcare professionals what exactly is wrong is very important. This is how I plan to give back to the Hispanic community. At the cancer center, I was 1 of 3 that could speak Spanish out of all 50 plus employees. I took great pride in that, seeing Spanish-speaking patients breathe a sign of relief when I would show up to translate. I quickly learned that they ask more questions and are more verbal when they have someone there to translate during their office visits. Doctors would tell me, "that's the most I've heard that patient talk" or "I had no idea she was having that issue." as we walked back into our office. When patients aren't from this country they have no idea how the healthcare system works, they need a bilingual healthcare professional who will advocate for them. I have had patients who come in and once I talk to them I realize they have no idea how they should be taking this medication after this long, which is why they're still in pain, nauseous etc. They don't realize that if their symptoms aren't going away there are different medications the doctor can try. Oncology is such a complex and overwhelming field, patients are coming in for chemotherapy, and radiation as well as on numerous amounts of medications. They're on life-saving medication and if there's a language barrier I want to make sure that their chance of survival isn't diminished due to that.
I'm establishing a clinic where I will provide free abdominal and fetal ultrasounds without requiring insurance for everyone who desires one. Millions of people suffer from abdominal problems in the United States, and many of them are unable to obtain the necessary treatment because they lack insurance or the necessary funds due to inflation. I especially want to assist my Hispanic community who have migrated to the United States by giving them ultrasounds and ensuring they are healthy. As well as a yearly checkup to ensure everything is in order, forming those lifelong ties, and the assurance that they have a supportive relationship with me.
My job objective has always been to be able to assist others, but I wasn't sure how. I happened to come across sonography, which caught my interest. Observing how sonographers collaborate with medical experts has motivated me to pursue my interests while also assisting in patient care. The first stage in treating patients and the most important factor in having them recover from their pain is being able to determine the reason they are suffering. For the past few months, I've been observing a sonographer at a sonography clinic as she builds lovely relationships with her clients and advances their diagnoses. This profession is not simple, but it is worthwhile since as a healthcare provider, you are there to help them and communicate with them at every stage of their journey making sure they are heard and cared for. I've also been a part of the ability to reveal the genders of the parents' unborn children and witnessing the room filled with joy and purity is what motivates me to pursue this career. I'm grateful to be a part of the precious times when parents get to witness their child grow and go through life's stages.
As a first-generation college student, it can be challenging to put myself out there and not let obstacles get in the way, as well as struggling sometimes due to unfortunate conditions I lack my parents' proper guidance leaving me unsure of whether I'm going about things correctly, but one thing my parents do provide for me is their support. My parents do what they do best, which is to offer me words of encouragement and advice each step of the way whenever I feel like giving up and have taught me to never quit and give it my all. If I fall short, at least I know that I tried, and am determined to try again—not just in school, but how I will be taking my path forward in life. In order to help and offer my patients all the resources and support I can, I intend to finish my training and open my own abdominal and fetal ultrasound clinic. One step at a time, not just for my Hispanic community but for everyone.
Coming from a low-income Hispanic family has given me many obstacles on my journey for quality education. While I have faced those obstacles it has kept me motivated to continue fighting for myself and my future. As a Hispanic adult learner, I am currently a single mother of two with a dream and a passion. My ultimate goal is to not only award my children with a great life but to become a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology nurse. My passion is to not only provide care for these patients but to be the voice and advocate for children coming from low-income and minority homes. It is no surprise that the Hispanic communities don't always receive the care we should, and I want to be in a position to make sure I am giving to those same communities I come from. I consistently work on this goal as the months and years go by. Fortunately, I have not given up no matter how many times I have fallen. Providing for my children is always my priority, however, there are often times when I am left with deciding between paying for a necessity or paying for my tuition. It is a path I have chosen to pursue, but it is my passion and I have always remained driven. I am no stranger to sacrifice and am so much prouder of where I am today because of it.
Wholeheartedly, I want my children to see that we must be the voices of our people! At the same time, I hope to show them that even if we weather our own storms, caring for others, especially those that need it the most is not only fulfilling but needed. My passion for making patients smile even in the hardest journeys they face, like cancer, is just the beginning of how I intend to do so. Ultimately once I graduate with my bachelors, I would love to go back and become a nurse practitioner. This would give me the ability to provide care more independently in the communities with children that are under-served and may be facing the same trials and tribulations I once faced by no fault of their own.
I love to imagine a world where healthcare is equal. A world where everyone regardless of where they live, come from, or look like receives great unbiased quality care. Having more Hispanic healthcare providers helps in making this happen. It provides children of similar backgrounds to feel seen and understood. It helps inspire those who may think they could never make it, to know that anything is possible.
Remembering the daily struggles my mother faced always replays in my mind when I face some of those same struggles today. I hold these memories near and dear to me as I am now a mother. I value the sacrifices my mother made to give me the best life she could. These experiences helped me find my purpose. I remember those hours of studying for exams and working a part-time job to help my mother with bills, and I remember that these experiences made me who I am today. Without her perseverance, I wouldn't be so resilient. I look at my children and think of the life I want them to have and I will never stop trying until I get there. I want patients to see me as a provider, and realize I am them. I owe it not only to my children but to my mother. I especially owe this to all the patients whose lives I have yet to touch!
Thank you for your consideration.
