I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my nursing career by focusing on underserved communities, particularly low-income and immigrant populations. My personal journey as an immigrant has shaped my understanding of the challenges that many individuals face in accessing quality healthcare. I came to the United States at the age of 7, and my family and I experienced cultural and language barriers that made navigating life in a new country difficult. One of the most significant obstacles I faced was being unable to attend college after high school because of my undocumented status. Despite these setbacks, I became a U.S. resident at 18 and worked hard to support myself and my family. Today, I am a 44-year-old mother of two children, aged 20 and 16, who decided to return to school after more than 20 years to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. This decision has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has reignited my passion for helping others while showing me that it is never too late to achieve your goals. Through my nursing career, I want to bridge the gaps in healthcare that many underserved populations face. Language barriers, cultural differences, and systemic inequities often prevent individuals from receiving the care they deserve. By providing culturally competent and compassionate care, I hope to create a supportive environment where patients feel valued, understood, and empowered. My ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds will allow me to advocate for equitable healthcare and improve outcomes for those who are often overlooked. In addition to direct patient care, I aspire to motivate and empower women who face similar challenges of balancing family, work, and education. I want to share my story of resilience and determination to show other women that their dreams are achievable, no matter how many obstacles they encounter. I hope to inspire them to believe in themselves, embrace their potential, and strive for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, I plan to engage in community outreach and education, promoting preventative care and health awareness. By addressing disparities and empowering individuals with knowledge, I can help improve long-term outcomes for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, my goal is to use my nursing career to heal, inspire, and make a lasting difference. My journey has taught me the power of perseverance, and I am committed to using my experiences and skills to foster positive change in my community and beyond. Jesenia Guzman

My name is Jesenia Guzman, and I am a 44-year-old immigrant woman who came to the United States at age 7. My journey has been shaped by resilience and determination in the face of numerous challenges. Growing up, I experienced the unique struggles of being an immigrant, from cultural and language barriers to limited access to opportunities. One of the most difficult moments in my life was realizing that I could not attend college after graduating high school because I was undocumented. At 18, I became a U.S. resident, but by then, life had taken over. I prioritized working full-time to support myself and, later, my family. Today, I am the proud mother of two children, aged 20 and 16. After more than 20 years, I have returned to school to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. It has been a long and challenging road, but I am determined to succeed not only for myself but for my children and the community I hope to serve. Being an immigrant has profoundly shaped who I am. Early on, I learned the value of perseverance, hard work, and adaptability. Adjusting to life in the U.S. was not easy, but it taught me to embrace change and find strength in adversity. As a foreign student, balancing full-time work, raising my children, and pursuing higher education has been challenging. However, I approach these struggles with gratitude, knowing that education is a privilege many people in my situation are not afforded. The experience of being an immigrant has deepened my empathy and compassion for others. It has given me a unique perspective on the struggles faced by underserved communities, especially those from low-income and immigrant backgrounds. These experiences drive my passion for nursing. I want to use my career to give back to others, providing care and support to people who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. Throughout this journey, I have learned so much about myself, my family, and the world around me. My family’s sacrifices and unwavering support have taught me the importance of resilience and hope. From my home country, I have learned the value of staying connected to my roots, honoring my culture, and cherishing traditions that ground me. At the same time, living in the U.S. has shown me the power of opportunity and the importance of grit. These experiences have shaped me into a determined and empathetic individual who strives to bridge the gap between two worlds. This journey has significantly impacted my life and career choices. Growing up as an immigrant, I saw firsthand the disparities in access to healthcare and education. These experiences inspired me to pursue nursing as a way to make a difference in my community. I want to advocate for low-income and immigrant populations, using my language skills and cultural understanding to provide holistic care that respects their unique needs. Returning to school after so many years has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of my life. It has reignited my passion for learning and reminded me that it is never too late to chase your dreams. Through nursing, I hope to not only care for individuals but also inspire others in my community to believe in themselves and their potential. My journey has been long and filled with obstacles, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. I am excited about the future and committed to making a meaningful impact through my work as a nurse.