IU School of Nursing Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating Hispanic nursing students during Hispanic Heritage Month shines a light on their incredible dedication, resilience, and passion for making a difference in healthcare. Their commitment to bridging cultural gaps and providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care enriches the nursing profession and uplifts communities. The IU School of Nursing is proud to honor these students, acknowledging their achievements and inspiring them to continue shaping the future of healthcare with their diverse perspectives and talents.
Mileyka Ballard
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
I chose a career in nursing because of my previous experience as an EMT. I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but I just didn't know what area. It wasn't until I did a shift in the ER during EMT in high school that I knew I wanted to be a nurse.
What impact do you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
I hope to leave a lasting impact of kindness and treat each patient with respect.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
My Hispanic heritage has deeply influenced my nursing career by shaping my approach to patient care with a strong emphasis on empathy, cultural sensitivity, and community connection. I wasn't able to find that culturally diverse environment until I came to college. I pushed myself to be as involved as possible and learn the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds. This has enhanced my ability to provide compassionate, personalized care, and build trust with patients from various walks of life. This cultural insight helps me address health disparities and advocate for equitable care, ensuring that all patients feel seen, heard, and valued.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
One piece of advice I would give to those seeking a degree in nursing would be, no matter what, keep going. Nursing school is hard and there are going to be a lot of ups and downs but finding your community and people that you can rely on helps to keep going no matter what.
Final thought...
Joining Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc. has helped me to connect with other Latinas, showing me opportunities to volunteer and help the Hispanic community in the Indianapolis community. It further immerses me into my culture and enables me to give back to those who need it the most.
Moises Aca
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
What inspired me to pursue nursing was my desire to make a difference in people's lives. Nursing combines my passion for helping others with my interest in science, medicine, and the human body. Most days I feel like I'm not making much of a difference, however, if I can make the smallest difference in someone's life that's what matters. Ultimately my desire is to provide the best critical care to anyone no matter their circumstances.
What impact do you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
I hope to make a lasting impact on the profession of nursing by contributing to the best quality patient care and cooperating with other healthcare workers. My goal is to advocate for both my patients and colleagues. I am looking forward to working with Hispanic patients who do not speak English, as being bilingual allows me to provide them with the care and communication they need.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
My Hispanic heritage influenced my pursuit in nursing because being a first-generation college student I have opportunities my parents never had. First and foremost, I want to prove to my parents that their hardships and sacrifices were worth it. I can't wait to break generational barriers to become part of that 6.9% of Hispanics nurses in the U.S.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
A piece of advice I would give to someone is remember why you want to become a nurse when you feel overwhelmed. Nursing school can sometimes feel draining. Building support system of friends, family and faculty, will help.
Final thoughts...
I am where I'm at today because of God's guidance and grace.
Lis Navarro
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
As a kid, I was always afraid of the healthcare profession. This includes attending the clinic for a health checkup, visiting the dentist, interacting with nurses, etc. I always thought that the workers would judge me or make me feel worse. My mother would notice how anxious I would get whenever I had an appointment coming up. One day, she told me the importance of taking care of ourselves. She also told me about the times when she was a nurse in Mexico. She mostly worked with patients who had cancer and not once did she ever have any bad intentions or judge her patients. She wanted to make sure that they felt comfortable and that they were receiving the best care by not only focusing on their physical needs but their mental and emotional needs as well. My mother is a strong woman, and she loved being a nurse and knowing that she was able to help and make a difference in so many lives, which inspired me to do the same.
Later as I grew up, I wasn’t afraid of going to the doctor anymore or interacting with other healthcare professionals. I no longer view healthcare workers as scary people; I see them now as humans who genuinely care for others' well-being. All the amazing nurses that I have met throughout my life inspired me to pursue my career in nursing. I admire the resilience and dedication of all the nurses I have met. I, too, want to make an impact in so many lives. I chose nursing because I’ve always had a passion for helping others.
What impact do you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
I hope to bring a lot of kindness, security, and comfortability. I hope to make an impact and be there to support others. I believe that every nurse has the power to inspire and uplift their patients. By advocating for diverse patient needs and emphasizing the importance of holistic care, I hope to improve health outcomes for underrepresented populations. I aspire to bring a welcoming environment and reassure others to not be afraid to seek help.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced either of the first two questions?
Less than 10% of Hispanics are currently in the healthcare field. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. I would like to contribute to that small percentage of Hispanics that are currently in healthcare. My Hispanic heritage has taught me the importance of family and community. I want to ensure that all patients feel valued and understood, regardless of their cultural context.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
Do not let a bad grade define you. Nursing school is very hard and there will be exams where you feel like you have studied enough, but the score says otherwise. Never let it define you or determine how good of a nurse you will be. Embrace every learning opportunity. Build strong relationships with your peers, mentors, and instructors. Nursing school can be challenging but having a support network makes a huge difference.
Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself! It is possible to have a life outside of school. Continue doing things that you love to do or that help you relax. For example, reading, writing, exercising, listening to music, etc. Yes, there is a lot of prioritizing, but do not forget to live your life! Occasionally, go out with your loved ones or try something new to do.
Final thoughts...
I am currently in my junior year at Indiana University School of Nursing in Fort Wayne. I hope to become a pediatric nurse. I would like to thank all my loved ones who have been supporting me throughout this journey, it truly means a lot! Remember: ¡Si se puede! (Translation: It is possible) Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams!
Emilia Vargas
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
I chose to pursue nursing because, as a child, I watched my mother go through nursing school. I admired her for going back to school and pursuing something she enjoyed. I have witnessed her in the hospital setting, and I strive to be as compassionate and understanding as she is in her role as a nurse. I currently work at the same hospital and on the same floor as my mother as a patient care assistant!
What impact do you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
I am committed to representing the Hispanic community in healthcare. I believe it is essential for our field to reflect the diverse voices of those who often struggle to advocate for themselves in their care plans. By setting an example, I hope to inspire more individuals from the Hispanic community to engage in healthcare and empower them to make a difference, knowing they have the support they need.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
My Hispanic heritage has inspired me to advocate for those who lack a voice in healthcare. I have witnessed firsthand how patients whose first language is not English struggle to communicate their needs and navigate the system. I aspire to make a meaningful difference for those who feel uncomfortable due to language barriers, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. If these patients were my loved ones, I would want someone to treat them with the same respect and compassion that I would offer.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish something. It may be hard but if you have your goal set, do everything you can to accomplish it!
Final thoughts...
I am currently a Student Ambassador for the sophomore nursing cohort!
Lindsay Martinez
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
I started healthcare courses in Jasper High School, and I’ve been working in a nursing home since high school. Now I work at Eskenazi Hospital as a PCT in the ER and I’ve always enjoyed it.
What impact do you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
I want to target the under-represented population with my strength to translate and make it easier for patients and families to understand.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
My ability to translate. I can help the Hispanic community understand the importance of healthcare terminology. I can see that when friends and families use their children to translate it can put a lot of pressure on the kids. I want to be a resource for my community.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
Not give up and have hope, always.
Final thoughts...
One the most unique experiences I've had in nursing was when I went to Spain this summer as part of the study abroad program.
Outside of class I enjoy walking and going back home to Jasper to visit with family and friends.
Jennifer Fuentes
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
What led me to choosing nursing as a career was influenced by my childhood and my parents. During my childhood I saw the challenges and difficulties that Latino parents face in healthcare systems due to the language barrier and the lack of access to preventive care. This inspired me to be the change that makes every patient seen and heard, regardless of their background or identity.
What impact to you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
The impact I hope to have on the profession of nursing is to inspire young Latino/as and first-generation college students to pursue a career that they feel passionate about and to follow their heart. I am fortunate to have studied abroad with the IUSON back in May 2023, where I was able to share my experience with IUSON Vital Signs Newsroom. In early September I was a participant in the filming of the Indiana Center for Nursing 2024 Nursing Summit.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
My Hispanic heritage does influence the impact I want to make, and have made, in the profession of nursing, and why I decided to pursue a career in nursing.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
A piece of advice I would offer to anyone who is seeking a degree in nursing would be to ask questions! College isn't easy and nursing school isn't either! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and network with other students, clubs, and with faculty.
Araceli Ortega Lopez
What led you to choose nursing as a career?
Growing up, my mother was always sick. When she was in El Salvador, she was constantly sick as a child. Due to the economic status and war there, she was unable to have proper healthcare. As a little girl, I remember us going to the doctor's office when she was sick. She was constantly in and out of hospitals and clinics, and I always cared for her whenever my dad went to work. Even after school I would prioritize her care and remind her to take her medications. The role I took on, it became second nature for me. So, through her health struggles she has inspired me to choose nursing as a career.
What impact to you hope to have on the profession of nursing?
The impact I want to have in this profession is to advocate for underrepresented groups like the Hispanic-Latino community and LGBTQIA+ community. And really, anyone or any group that feels that they are unheard. Every human being deserves the right to get quality healthcare and access to healthcare regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, legal status, income, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. I want to fight for their equality and rights in healthcare. And, I think that's the beautiful part of it all, that you are their voice.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your nursing career?
As a Salvadoran American, I always felt like there was a underrepresentation of Hispanics in healthcare. I rarely ever see people who look like me and speak another language. It felt like it was impossible to break the stereotypes and stigmas that society had placed on me. And I always knew I was made for something much bigger. I wanted to help and give back to a community that has always embraced me.
The past year I was blessed to travel to my country of El Salvador, not once, not twice, but three times! While visiting friends and family, I have seen how access to healthcare is practically non-existent for those in the rural communities. It reminded me of how immigrant communities here in the U.S. suffer as well. This further reinforced my ambition and determination to become an advocate and nurse for people like them.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone seeking a degree in Nursing?
My piece of advice would be, "become a nurse because you want to make an impact, not because you like the aesthetic." With today's generation of teens, I think this statement speaks for itself. You need to be a certain type of person to become the best possible nurse you can be. Passion and determination are needed.
Final thoughts...
To anyone who is a child of immigrant parents, you aren't alone. You are seen. I have had my own struggles with imposter syndrome, and you will too. But give yourself some grace. Because this is the start of something new. As my parents would say, "Échale ganas hija, todo su esfuerzo es para algo mas grande!"