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The purpose of the Mentoring Program is to choose top-performing students with a solid understanding of nursing concepts who will effectively guide and support their peers academically.
Student Mentors
Hey there! My name is Lucas Carney, and I am a fourth-semester nursing student in the Student Success Initiative Mentoring program. Believe it or not, I wasn’t always interested in healthcare. I had full intentions of becoming a firefighter and only got exposed to medicine through an EMT-Basic course I had to take to complete my firefighting certification. However, that course quickly opened my eyes. I wanted to be a paramedic. I put my career aspirations as a firefighter on pause, deciding to volunteer in Edinburg while I went through the Paramedic Associate’s program at STC. I worked in EMS for some time during the COVID-19 pandemic but realized I wanted more than the pre-hospital setting. I didn’t just want to stabilize people enough to get them to the hospital; I wanted to see them improve! Becoming a nurse seemed like the best way for me to be a participant in long-term health, and that’s what I decided to do. My hope as a mentor is to provide other students with the resources and advice I had always wanted when I first started out. Nursing school is a big task, and it’s always great to have a strong support system invested in your success!
Hello everyone! My name is Yaritzi Flores, and I'm currently a 4th semester student mentor. Throughout my life, I have always had an interest in medicine and healthcare. Through volunteer and shadowing opportunities, I realized that the patient care involved in nursing was the perfect fit for me. Working at the university as a tutor and Peer-Led Team Learning leader helped me realize that I also enjoyed guiding others to success, especially when they are uncertain of their own skills and potential. Regarding nursing mentoring, having once been in the mentee's shoes, I understand the challenges, stress, and uncertainties that come with pursuing a nursing career. Becoming a mentor allows me to share my knowledge and personal insight with mentees, thus hopefully enhancing their learning and confidence as they continue their nursing journey.
My name is Megan Stuart, and I’m happily married with five dogs who keep life exciting! I earned my first bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in biomedical science from Texas A&M University. My passion for healthcare has always been the driving force behind my career aspirations. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a physician, but during my time working in clinics and hospitals during the COVID pandemic, I was profoundly inspired by the incredible impact nurses have on patients' lives. That experience led me to realize that nursing was the perfect fit for me. Now, I’m on the verge of graduating with my second bachelor’s degree, this time in Nursing, and I couldn’t be more excited to take the next step toward my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. As a mentor to at-risk nursing students, I’ve been fortunate to guide and support their academic journeys, helping them build confidence, improve retention, and achieve success in their studies. I’m eager to make meaningful contributions to the nursing field by combining my love for learning, teaching, and empowering others on their healthcare journeys.
My name is America Alvear. For my last semester, I had the privilege of being a mentor. Being a mentor was a rewarding and impactful experience that allows you to guide and support other nursing students. Whether it was giving advice or hearing about their experiences, it was a nice experience to be a part of. I plan to be a Pediatric nurse and aspire to be a nurse who can provide guidance and support to my fellow.
My name is Leslie Avendano. I'm married to my college sweetheart, and we have a 3-year-old son who has brought such beautiful technicolor to our lives. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2018 with plans to pursue a medical degree, but my path in healthcare took an unexpected turn when I decided to take a break from school and help run the family business. In August 2023, I was accepted into the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Joining the Student Success Mentorship Program has provided invaluable insights that will support my goal of becoming a CRNA in the future, and I’ve found it deeply fulfilling to serve and support fellow nursing students guiding them in their journey to success.
As a nursing student, being part of the Nursing Peer Mentor Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Mentoring other students has taught me so much about leadership and communication, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow and feel more confident. I’m passionate about always learning and plan to keep building my skills, especially in the critical care unit where I plan to work, so I can give my future patients the best care possible. I also hope to inspire other nurses the way my mentors have inspired me, creating a positive and supportive environment in healthcare.
Hello, my name is Oshanna Marie Cabriales. I had the privilege of working as an emergency room scribe for the past six years. During this time, I discovered the profound impact of nursing and the beauty of connecting with patients through compassionate care. I also found that nursing enables me to care for others while also empowering my family to overcome health challenges. As a nursing student, I embraced opportunities to bridge classroom concepts with real-world applications in my academic work and clinical experiences. Through the Student Success Mentorship Program, I was honored to share the knowledge and skills I have gained, guiding and inspiring fellow nursing students on their journey to achieving their dreams. Looking ahead, I am dedicated to advancing my education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I hope to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I meet. I am driven by the belief that each encounter is an opportunity to learn, grow, and uplift others on their path.
My name is Michael De Leon, and I am from McAllen, Texas. I decided to enter nursing because I feel it is a gratifying job, because when you are done you can say that every day you work you help someone feel better or get better. Hopefully, beyond nursing school, I aim to continue my education and currently have my sights set on becoming a CRNA. I took part in the Student Success Mentorship Program because I felt that I wanted to help my fellow classmates have a less stressful time navigating nursing school because I could help guide them to not make any mistakes I made.
My name is Eliza Victoria Duran, and I am proud to be completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in December 2024. My passion for nursing began in high school when I earned my Certified Nurse Assistant certification, marking my first step into the healthcare field. This experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in nursing and inspired me to advance my education. After achieving my degree and licensure, I plan to specialize in Labor and Delivery nursing, where I can make a meaningful impact on families during some of their most significant moments. Additionally, I aspire to further my education by earning a master’s degree and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Being part of the Student Success Mentorship program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to support and inspire fellow nursing students who share the same passion for this field. I hope that my guidance has been valuable to my mentees this semester and will continue to positively influence their future goals.
Hi everyone! My name is Rocio Figueroa, and I am 23 years old. I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, and plan to give back to my community as a nurse helping those around me. My passion for nursing started in high school having the opportunity to care for others by visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Nursing school has given me the knowledge, skills, and unforgettable memories that I am deeply grateful for. These experiences have prepared me to better help others and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Being a mentor in the Student Success Mentorship Program has strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, as well as allowing me to help and support other nursing students in reaching their academic goals. After graduating, I aspire to become a newborn or pediatric nurse, to offer care and support for children and their families in need.
Hello everyone! My name is Danielle Gomez and I’m excited and blessed to become a registered nurse and help others! I’ve loved being able to mentor other nursing students and help them navigate challenges that occur with nursing school. I believe it’s important to guide others, especially in this field, as they could be your nurse one day! I chose a field that requires a life full of learning so regardless of the future, I’ll be learning something new every day! I plan on furthering my education by completing certifications that will help me in my career and continuing school to become a Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to become a well-rounded and experienced nurse/provider to provide the best patient care possible and leave lasting impacts on people!
My name is Mayra Jimenez, and I am currently in my 4th semester of nursing school and part of the Student Success Initiative Mentoring Program. Throughout my life, I’ve always had a passion for nursing and a strong desire to help families during their most vulnerable moments. This mentoring program has allowed me to guide and support others on their journey. Being a mentor has strengthened my sense of purpose within the nursing profession and has allowed me to contribute to the growth and success of fellow nursing students. As I help others achieve their goals, I have also gained greater clarity and direction for my own professional aspirations. I aspire to become a pediatric or NICU nurse, where I hope to positively impact children’s lives by providing compassionate and expert care. My goal is to support their health and well-being, contributing to a brighter and healthier future for them and their families.
Hello everyone! My name is Annette, and I am a traditional BSN student. This semester I have gotten to see how the Student Success Mentor Program truly benefits both mentors and mentees. For me, it was a rewarding experience that helped me improve my communication and time management skills. At the same time, I felt privileged to support my mentee in building greater confidence and resilience, both personally and academically. As I move forward in the nursing profession, I can see how the skills that I’ve gained through this program will not only enhance my own growth but also allow me to support and connect with future patients and colleagues. In the future, I hope to work in the ICU. Eventually, I plan to return to school and pursue my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
My name is Bessy Palestina Moreno, and I am 22 years old. After graduating from Port Isabel High School in 2020, I began pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. While my initial passion was in women’s health, my clinical experiences, especially in the ICU, ignited a love for critical care nursing. I remain dedicated to women’s health advocacy but now aim to build a career in critical care and potentially pursue a master's degree. Through the Student Success Mentorship Program, I’ve had the privilege of helping my peers navigate challenges, manage stress, and stay motivated. This opportunity has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the chance to support my mentees as they work toward their goals.
Hello, my name is David Padron, and I am a 4th-semester generic nursing student from Brownsville. Becoming a mentor has been a deeply fulfilling experience, as it allows me to support others in reaching their full potential. I believe everyone benefits from having someone who can provide guidance, clarity, and encouragement during challenging times. Having been in the same position as current nursing students, I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned, from overcoming obstacles to embracing effective strategies for success. My goal as a mentor is to empower students with knowledge and confidence while fostering their growth as future nurses. I aspire to work in the ICU, where I can exemplify compassion, patience, ambition, and dedication. I aim to embody the caring and skilled nurse that God has called me to be. Lifelong learning is integral to my journey, and I plan to further my education to grow as a nurse and a leader in healthcare.
Hello, my name is Andrea Ramos, and I am a 4th-semester traditional BSN student. I became interested in healthcare in high school when I volunteered at a local hospital. I became more interested in nursing when my dad got very sick and spent a few weeks in the hospital; when he was released, he needed a home health nurse. I was involved with my dad's care during his recovery and learned more about nursing from my dad's home health nurse. I'm very proud to say that I will be graduating with my BSN at 20 years old! I will be continuing my education in July of 2025 when I start my graduate education at the UTRGV School of Medicine. I hope that my nursing background will make me a more compassionate and well-rounded clinician. Outside of academics, I have fun being involved with my sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, and growing in my faith at the Newman Catholic Student Center. I became a mentor because I enjoy helping others succeed. Being a mentor has also helped me reinforce some of my knowledge from previous semesters. The friends I have made in nursing school have been instrumental in helping me do well in nursing school, and so I want to help other students in the same way.
Hello! My name is Jamie, and I’m a 4th semester student mentor. My passion for nursing started with my interest in making a positive impact on people’s lives. Through my experiences as a CNA, unit clerk, and nurse tech, I developed a strong foundation in patient care that confirmed nursing was the perfect path for me. Mentoring has become another passion of mine because I enjoy guiding others, especially those navigating the challenges and uncertainties of nursing school. Having once been in their shoes, I understand the hard work and stress it takes to succeed, and I strive to share my knowledge, experiences, and encouragement to help mentees build confidence and reach their goals in their nursing journey.
Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa Rodriguez. I am 22 years old, and I am currently in my last semester of nursing school. Throughout my life, I have always had the passion and desire to help others. Seeing as I have witnessed friends and family members with chronic medical conditions receive exceptional medical care, my goal is to help individuals so that they may return to a productive life as others have done for my family. I am currently a nursing student mentor to two students in the semester below me. Seeing as I have been in their shoes; I understand the stress and uncertainty they feel while pursuing a nursing degree. As a mentor, I support and guide them throughout their educational journey. I assist my mentees with preparation for exams and quizzes by organizing review sessions with them. I offer them emotional support and advice on handling stress, workload, and anxiety. This blend of mentorship experience and dedication to learning aligns with my vision of becoming a compassionate and knowledgeable nurse.