Mother of five transforms her life through STC’s nursing programs

Owning a home was once an impossible dream for devoted mother and wife Sanjuanita Ibarra, who, through the encouragement and support she received from South Texas College’s nursing program, not only accomplished her goal, but is also about to complete her second bachelor’s degree, this time, in Nursing.

“I never thought I’d even be in college. I was taught that I was meant to get married and stay at home, and that college was only for the rich,” said the 53-year-old. “But STC helped me advance little by little and improve myself over the years.”

Over the last 20 years, “Janie,” as she’s affectionately known among her patients, has overcome the barriers of her upbringing, being raised among 11 siblings, to become the first in her family to attend college.

“We were living in a small mobile home as a family of five at the time, and I started to fear we would never get out of there,” she said.

When the adult day care facility where she worked suddenly shut down, it was a close friend and colleague who encouraged her to pursue a degree in nursing.

“I didn’t understand how she could suggest that when I thought I wouldn’t be able to afford it. But once I stepped onto campus and learned about how financial aid works, I was amazed,” she said. “Even my parents were surprised. We had no idea.”

It was in 2004 at 33 years old when she enrolled at STC to earn her initial Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential through the Patient Care Technician program. After graduating and working in the field, she had her fourth child.

“I wanted to keep progressing, for my children, to be an example,” she said. “I was already working as a CNA, but I knew the next step was with STC’s Vocational Nursing program, so I moved forward.”

Weeks into the program, from which she graduated in 2005, she became pregnant with her fifth child, which meant sacrificing her part-time job for the sake of her health.

“Working while going to school plus being pregnant was overwhelming. I’m grateful for my husband’s support, as he had to take on two jobs to make ends meet,” she said. “Nursing school is a challenge; you sacrifice so much. It was hard on my children not seeing both of us most of the time, but I now look back and see that it was worth it.”

After many years of working as a vocational nurse, Ibarra applied to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, and although she wasn’t accepted initially, she didn’t get discouraged. Instead, she enrolled in STC’s online Bachelor in Medical and Health Services Management, which ultimately helped her gain acceptance into the nursing program in 2020.

“It was difficult because I couldn’t afford to stop working, but COVID forced me to. It felt like it was meant to be, as I was scared to work through the pandemic with all my children and grandchildren at home,” she said. “Taking classes online was challenging, but I managed with the support of my children, who all quarantined with me. It was an opportunity I embraced.”

A devoted nurse for pediatric ventilator patients for more than 10 years, Ibarra is well known for her exceptional care and nurturing approach to her patients.

“One thing I learned from my very first semester back in 2004 is to treat your patients like family. It’s as if they’re my own children,” she said. “People often don’t know about these patients because they’re always at home and out of sight. Many are unaware of how many homebound pediatric patients need help. I’m very conscious of the fact that I’m often all they see or hear, so I take my time to talk to them and sing to them, making them feel loved and valued.”

The proud grandmother of 10 is currently halfway through the Bachelor of Nursing program at STC, is a recent recipient of the Mary Killoran $3,500 Scholarship and is set to graduate next year.

“It’s just one of the many blessings I continue to receive from STC, even after 20 years of being a student,” she said. “I have had the pleasure of meeting many dedicated instructors, now colleagues, and sharing laughter and experiences with my classmates along the way. STC has changed my life and my family’s in the best way possible.”

For more information on STC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs, visit nah.southtexascollege.edu or call 956-872-3100.