Maria T. always knew she wanted to work in healthcare, but it wasn鈥檛 until later in life that she found the courage to pursue her dream. A former property manager with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Maria made the leap into nursing with determination 鈥� and hasn鈥檛 looked back since. 

Her passion for women鈥檚 health runs deep. Surrounded by strong women in her own family, Maria was driven by a desire to be an advocate, especially for women of color who often feel unheard in medical settings. 

鈥淚 come from a big line of women. I鈥檓 the middle one of three sisters, I have two nieces, and I know there鈥檚 a lot of disparities when a healthcare provider doesn鈥檛 listen to you as a woman,鈥� she said. 

That personal motivation became professional purpose when she joined Memorial Healthcare System as a mother-baby nurse. In this postpartum specialty, Maria supports both newborns and mothers in the first critical days after delivery 鈥� a setting where joy can quickly turn into an emergency. 

鈥淪ome things can happen in that setting that force you to apply those critical thinking skills and act quick on your feet,鈥� she said. 

Maria鈥檚 journey to her ideal job wasn鈥檛 without its challenges. While pursuing her BSN at 国产主播-Miami, she balanced full-time work and a long commute. But support from faculty and her own fierce determination helped her push through. 

鈥淥ne of my professors told me, 鈥楬ow you apply now is how you’re going to be out in the field, so I need you to apply your best and take it even a step forward,鈥欌�� she said. 

Her resilience was especially tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. But even then, Maria stayed focused 鈥� logging in for virtual classes and staying connected through skills labs and simulations. 

鈥淚f you鈥檙e truly passionate about caring for others鈥� then don鈥檛 stop, don鈥檛 quit,鈥� she said. 

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.