The word “Nurse” for most people is defined as someone who cares for the sick, teaches, and informs others. For me, a nurse means that and more; it is someone who is patient, caring, gentle, and kind to others. For those reasons, I decided to become a nurse and to pursue a lifestyle of understanding and serving others. I moved to New York from Puerto Rico with no understating of English and became the first to graduate in my family. CUNY has been there for me since the start. Expanding my knowledge at CUNY SPS has given me the great opportunity to continue growing as a professional.
I moved to New York when I was 13 years old and made it my job to learn English as fast as I could. Because of those sacrifices, I was able to better communicate with others. I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare system, but what made me be sure that I wanted to become a nurse was the birth of my younger sister. After being born, she had to stay in the hospital for over a week in the NICU department. Seeing the hard work and how caring the nurses were made fall in love with their job and dedication.
I started taking college classes, and I was even awarded a laptop from CUNY due to my hard work. I was admitted into Hostos Community College where, since my first semester studying, I made amazing friends and met many professors that changed my life. I graduated with a certificate as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and continued my way to obtain an RN (Registered Nurse). Graduating was the most bittersweet moment of my life. I was able to complete a hardworking degree, but saying goodbye to my second home was difficult. I received a scholarship for my service as an LPN, and made my way as an RN while going to school with a full-time job. I have worked for over a year for Montefiore Medical Group, a place where my skills and my love for nursing have grown. However, that was not enough. I still had so much to learn and give back, and knew exactly where I could earn the knowledge and experience I’ve been looking for: CUNY SPS.
As a CUNY graduate, I have been given the opportunity to continue pursuing my career at CUNY SPS, a great school where I have learned more and will earn a degree with my BSN as a nurse educator. My education will also help me achieve my life goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. CUNY SPS has great programs that I have taken advantage of such as online classes that provide me with a flexible class schedule, something that some students may not have access to. This school provided me with many resources such as helpful advisement, different class schedules, financial aid, tutoring, as well as the opportunity to receive the Petrie Nurse Scholarship in order to relieve my financial worries and focus more on my schoolwork.
For me, CUNY SPS has been one of the best decisions I have made to help me build my professional knowledge and a path to a great future in this community; it feels like home. I am more than prepared to continue my professional journey because of CUNY SPS. This school has shown me how to be more patient, caring, gentle, and kind to others important qualities that follow you wherever you may go as a nurse.