Hi, my name is Jasmine, and I am a first-generation Latina. Growing up, education was always emphasized in my family, but the path to pursuing higher education wasn't always clear. I discovered the potential of trade school early on when I decided to obtain my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. This pivotal step opened the doors to the healthcare field for me, allowing me to gain valuable experience working in various healthcare facilities. Mental health became a big social cause for me as ran across that a lot through all aspect of healthcare especially in minority groups. As a Latina, I have witnessed how the Latin community often disregards their mental health. Many believe that there is nothing wrong and that they just need to keep working. They do not acknowledge conditions like depression or anxiety. For instance, my own mother struggled to understand why one of my siblings was going to therapy. She would say things like, 'Eso es para los locos. Tú no estás loco' (translation: 'That's for crazy people. You're not crazy') or '¿Qué es ansiedad? No entiendo por qué la gente dice eso. Simplemente hazlo' (translation: 'What's anxiety? I don't understand why people say that. Just do it'). I know she is not alone; this is the prevailing stigma in the Latin community. When I become a nurse, I am committed to educating and informing them that mental health is important and seeking help is not a sign of weakness or craziness. It's for individuals who simply need a little more support or someone to talk to Over the years, I have dedicated myself to serving others as a nursing assistant, but I knew I wanted to further my education and become a Nurse (License Vocational Nurse). Despite facing challenges and balancing work and family responsibilities, I made the decision to return to school to pursue my nursing degree. Choosing trade school once again was a practical choice for me; it offered flexibility with my schedule and provided a direct path back to the workforce. Once I become a nurse, I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness within my community. I want to educate and inform others that seeking help for mental health issues is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards healing and well-being. By pursuing my nursing degree through trade school, I am confident that I can make a meaningful impact on the mental health of individuals within the Latin community and beyond.

Hi, my name is Jasmine, and I am a first-generation Latina. Growing up, education was always emphasized in my family, but the path to pursuing higher education wasn't always clear. I discovered the potential of trade school early on when I decided to obtain my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license. This pivotal step opened the doors to the healthcare field for me, allowing me to gain valuable experience working in various healthcare facilities. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to serving others as a nursing assistant, but I knew I wanted to further my education and become a Registered Nurse (RN). Despite facing challenges and balancing work and family responsibilities, I made the decision to return to school to pursue my nursing degree. Choosing trade school once again was a practical choice for me; it offered flexibility with my schedule and provided a direct path back to the workforce. As a first-generation Latina, I am acutely aware of the shortage of Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals, especially nurses, in our communities. This realization fueled my determination to become a nurse who can bridge the language and cultural barriers that often exist in healthcare settings. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I see nursing as a means to fulfill that passion. Attending trade school not only aligns with my career goals but also allows me to make a meaningful impact on my community. By pursuing my nursing degree through trade school, I am confident that I can achieve my aspirations efficiently and effectively. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to serve and advocate for underserved populations, both within the Latin community and beyond.