“I graduated debt free with my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from Linfield-Good Samaritan school of Nursing.”
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated to highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. Learn more about Eva's story below!
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Work Title (s): Registered Nurse
Favorite Quote: I don’t have a favorite quote but a saying I always reflect on is “everything happens for a reason."
Who is Eva? I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. My mom brought me to the United States when I was 3 years old to the small town of Mt. Angel, Oregon. I have five sisters and three brothers half reside in the states and the other half in Mexico. All of my siblings are married and have families of their own, resulting in over 30 nieces and nephews that make up a big part of my family. I have seen my parents work seasonal jobs in the fields their whole lives earning minimum wage and no benefits. Growing up my parents would take a couple of my sisters' and me strawberry and blackberry picking. At first we would be there as children while my parents worked. As we got older we began picking berries for money. Soon this was what we did every summer to save money for school clothes, supplies, and have spending money. I learned the value of money and how difficult and demanding a job in the fields truly is. My parents taught me the value of hard work at a young age. I have seen the struggles that my parents have gone through to make a living without an education. These experiences and my parents motivated me to pursue a higher education and my life purpose of serving the Hispanic community through nursing.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I am the first in my family to attend college. I completed my prerequisites for nursing at Clackamas Community College, Chemeketa Community College and Western Oregon University. I graduated debt free with my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from Linfield-Good Samaritan school of Nursing. My education has impacted my life tremendously. It has opened many opportunities that I would otherwise not have. A couple years ago I went back to Zacatecas, Mexico to the small rancho where I was born. I visited the other half of my family that resides there for the first time since leaving at the age of three. This was a humbling experience seeing the way my family lives in a place where higher education and careers are non-existent. During my visit I realized that this is what my life could have been if my mom would not have brought me to the US. For this reason I am extremely grateful and thank my mom every day for the opportunity of having a better life.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? One of my biggest challenges was becoming a resident of the United States. It took nine years of waiting to begin my residency application. I was finally able to apply while I attended community college. During the application process I was so anxious to hear back from the immigration office and receive my residency card. When I received a letter saying my case was being denied and had 30 days to leave the United States I was devastated. I felt like all my hopes and dreams were shattered and I was determined to not let it all end this way. My family and I took the initiative to contact a lawyer and appeal my case. After many appointments and letters I finally received my residency in November 2008. This allowed me to complete my bachelor’s degree and be able to work in my career.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I am currently working on being in the present. To not stress out about what needs to be done later or worry about what already happened but to enjoy what is going on in the present moment.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? One piece of advice I wish I would have had is to start looking at scholarship applications early. I attended community colleges to save cost. It was not until I was applying to nursing school that I realized I was going to need more financial assistance. For this reason I attended a financial aid workshop called Path to Scholarships that helped me tremendously in receiving scholarships. I was fortunate enough to graduate without any debt through financial assistance from FAFSA and scholarships. I encourage others to seek out financial aid workshops and information ear
What is your favorite kind of coffee? My go to coffee is an iced kicker from Dutch Bros; I also like their iced rebels in various flavors.
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LEADER IN YOUR COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTED ON THIS BLOG PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.
Comments