Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – In a recent Zoom virtual conference, vocational nurse Esmeralda Cardenas spoke with high school students interested in the health care field about what it takes to become a nurse.
The Texas Southmost College vocational nursing alumna said it was an honor and humbling experience because her journey getting to where she is today has not been an easy one.
“It took me 16 years to pursue a college education; older than most,” said the 38-year-old. “It was intimidating, at times discouraging, but I had a goal to reach.”
As a mother of two, the Brownsville native said giving up was never an option because first and foremost she had to be a good example of how no matter your age and no matter your circumstances, anything is possible.
This was also the message she also wanted to get across to the students she was speaking to.
“Believe in yourself, work hard and stay motivated toward your goal,” she told them. “Education is not a race. Never give up, no matter how long the road is because you can accomplish anything.”
She said TSC played a big part in her success and the reason why she now has confidence in herself and her skills.
“TSC was a big step forward for me,” said Cardenas. “It was a blessing and I no longer doubt myself. The training we received was of highest standards.”
Cardenas entered TSC’s vocational nursing program with no prior medical experience, so the lessons, concepts and processes she learned were all brand new.
“Everything was new, but our instructors did a great job not only teaching, but also sharing their professional experiences, providing us with real-world, hands-on training opportunities, and preparing us for life after college,” she said.
She also added that since passing her licensure board exam and gaining employment she has found stability and financial security for her and family.
“I was my husband’s full-time provider before returning to school and seeing the nurses that took care of him is what inspired me to do this,” said Cardenas. “All along nursing was my calling; it just took me a while to figure it out.”
Since earning her certificate in vocational nursing at TSC in 2017, Cardenas has held a steady job, maintaining a successful career in the field.
She has worked nursing homes to home health care ensuring her patients receive the best care, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
And even though she enjoys what she is doing, Cardenas has other goals for herself.
She is currently pursuing an associate degree in registered nursing and hopes to specialize in either labor and delivery or mental health.
“It’s still definitely not easy juggling work and school, but my children are troopers, especially during these times, but we all just keep in mind that the reward will be worth it,” she said. “And it was TSC that sparked this confidence and love of learning in me that allows me to continue moving forward and working for more.”
For more information in TSC’s vocational learning program, visit tsc.edu.
Registration for Summer and Fall 2020 is underway.
