Oakwood University
Bachelor's degree program
2023 – 2027
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

I read books multiple times a month.

I read books multiple times a month.
My name is Angelina Chal de la Cruz, and I come from a low-income family. I was born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents, and from a young age, I witnessed the tremendous effort my parents put into giving me a better future. I became the first in my family to study abroad as a nursing student. The transition to living in a completely unfamiliar place was challenging. Initially, I received a scholarship, but as the semesters went by, the support decreased, even though I maintained a strong GPA. During my first semester, I worked part-time, but it wasn’t enough to cover my expenses. So, every break I had, I would do canvassing, going door-to-door, exchanging books for donations from strangers. In my last canvassing program, the pressure became overwhelming, and I collapsed. Sometimes, I encountered kind people, but there were also those who made me feel judged because of my skin color and the fact that I wasn’t a U.S. citizen. I knew canvassing wouldn’t be easy, but if I wanted to continue my studies in nursing, I had to persevere. However, the stress took a toll on me, and on 26 July 2024, I collapsed in a bathroom and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. After that, aside from my school debt, I now had medical expenses to manage. After this incident, my parents didn’t want me to continue canvassing; they felt I was risking my health and enduring too many hardships. Although I tried my best not to take anything personally, it was difficult. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to complete my studies and reach my goals in nursing
Bachelor's degree program
2023 – 2027
Health, Wellness, and Fitness · Oakwood university
Jan 2026 – Present
Technology · Oakwood university
Jan 2024 – Present
Public Service (Politics) · South central Conference
2023 – 2024
Volunteering · Food pantry
2023 – 2023