By Gina Miranda |Staff Writer|
Joanne Rivera is one of many graduating seniors from CSUSB who is earning her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing this quarter.
In just a few weeks, her all night study sessions, flashcard trivia, medical jargon and dedication will be celebrated in the 2014 Graduation ceremony.
“I am super excited to graduate. I wasn’t sure this day would ever come. A part of me is still shocked that I made it this far. It took me seven years to get to this point and now that graduation is just around the corner the entire experience seems so surreal,” said Rivera.
Rivera has attended CSUSB as a part-time student for roughly seven years, four of which she dedicated to working part-time in the CSUSB bookstore.
Her journey was prolonged due to a lack of guidance, motivation, and initial commitment.
“I didn’t always take school so seriously. In order to make the program, I had to reach a new level of commitment by retaking certain classes and developing that mind set to not give up on my education,“ said Rivera.
Her resilience and dedication to the program has become a motivating factor in her hard fought journey.
As a result of her dedication to the nursing program, Rivera’s self-confidence blossoms for her future endeavors as a Registered Nurse (RN).
“I feel like I was born to be a nurse and nursing reminds me of my grandmother. Before she passed, she had a number of medical issues. She was everything to me. Through her experiences, I learned how to be a caring nurse. It made me feel good to care for her when I could and as a result of that I can’t see myself in any other career,“ said Rivera.
For years, Rivera has gained hands-on training in the nursing program, is no stranger to commitment, and feels the need to advise prospective students with their long-term commitment and college careers.
“Here’s my advice to anyone in any major. Be nice to the professors and develop relationships with them. It is highly beneficial to know the staff, create bonds, leave lasting impressions, and you just might get letters of recommendation that can help in the long-term,” said Rivera.
With a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Rivera hopes to actively pursue a nursing career and obtain work at a nearby facility.
Although opportunity has not come knocking on her door yet, Rivera is optimistic about her future endeavors as a registered nurse.
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