What made you realize that you wanted to go into your chosen profession?
I knew prior to going to nursing school that I wanted to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. During my early days of working in the ER and ICU as a technician, I was exposed to CRNAs on a regular basis. I showed interest early, and one particular CRNA took me under her wing. She invited me to job shadow her and spend the day in the operating room observing her professional role. From that day forward I was set on a path to becoming a CRNA.
Could you share some background information such as where you grew up, if you had family members in the healthcare profession, or if you were the first in your family to attend a professional school?
I grew up in a small rural town in the Central Valley of California - Madera, California, to be exact. At the time only one high school existed in the town, and it was predominately a farming community. Plagued with limited resources and a healthcare disparity, I watched the people of Madera struggle from an early age.
In what ways have you given back to Midwestern University? How have you made a difference in your community?
Giving back to my community and alumni institution is important to me. I have served as an adjunct and part-time faculty for Midwestern in the Nurse Anesthesia program since 2018. I love helping to train and educate the next generation of CRNAs. Midwestern University has given me the education, skill, and professional network to give back to my community. Currently, I provide anesthesia services to Madera Community Hospital in the same town where I grew up. It is a wonderful feeling serving my hometown and caring for patients who would otherwise not have access to necessary medical care. At the international level, I serve on an annual medical mission trip. Several of my fellow colleagues from Midwestern, as well as current and past students, have joined me on these medical mission trips. These are life-changing experiences that develop cross-cultural awareness and the desire to serve those less fortunate.