Michelle Rodriguez-Zamarron

Name: Michelle Rodriguez-Zamarron
Age: 43
Major: Nursing
College: School of Nursing
Hometown: Raymondville, TX
High School: Raymondville High School 

Why UTRGV?
It was close to home and the RN to BSN program was highly recommended by fellow co-workers. Also, liked that the full curriculum was available online.

What made you decide on your current major?  I currently have my AND, but in my field many more employers are requiring our BSN.

How are you maneuvering being a student during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The stress of being a student again after so many years away (10 to be exact) was stressful enough, but the PHC made it even worse. It was difficult to wrap my head around doing a full nursing program online, but the professors use a variety of outlet/ systems to get us the skills we need.

What are your greatest strengths and what are some challenges? 
Being able to adapt and work under pressure must be my greatest strengths. My challenges would have to be that I can’t seem to say “no” and over task myself with activities.

What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
So, when I mention to people that I plan to take a detour in my career path and jump into the “law” lane. They seem to think I’m crazy, but I think as a nurse we need to understand the law and how to pertains to our patients. As nurses our biggest role is to advocate, so with both a nursing and a law degree I feel I’m better equipped to advocate for my patients to the full extent of my knowledge.

What do you like most about UTRGV?
I like the atmosphere.

What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
It means that I kept it local and went to school where my roots are, to help serve the people from here and I was not outsourced.

What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?  
New clinics and new contacts for my membership in community resources.

What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic? 
I would have to tell them to jump right in the water if fine. The timing is never perfect, and by the time you have a chance to think about it, you will be halfway done with it. Starting is always the hardest part of any project.