Nursing student inspired by real-life experiences

Deseree Peña is among 92 South Texas College vocational nursing graduates who are being recognized during a pinning ceremony this month – a traditional rite of passage honored by medical professionals across the world.

Peña said she can recall the exact moment when she knew she was destined for a career in nursing, and it came in the form of an inspiring moment with her mother.

One day while out with her parents, Peña said a passerby suddenly collapsed.

The passerby, who was later found to be diabetic and who had not taken their medication, remained unresponsive to assistance from those around him despite continued efforts to revive him.

In the middle of all the panic, however, she recalls her mother rushing in with life-saving CPR until an ambulance arrived. The stranger would ultimately survive.

“I remember being shocked,” Peña said. “I was younger, so I didn’t know what to do. I was just standing there looking at them. Other people had called for help and an ambulance was on its way at the time, but just seeing my mom step up and take charge of the situation made me want to do that too.”

The intense experience was just one memory spent within a family of nurses, but it was not the last, according to Peña.

Growing up, both of her parents, her sister and uncle inspired her into a career as a health care provider.

“I come from a family of nurses, and they set the roadmap for me,” she said. “From the time I was young, I would hear them talking about their jobs and what they go through on a daily basis, and it made me interested to go down that path for my career. I think it’s safe to say that I grew up being inspired and influenced by health care professionals.”

Along with real-world experiences, Peña said she was also influenced by the family work ethic, specifically when it came to studying.

“One of my earliest memories that I can recall was helping my mom when she would have exams. I remember I would test her by asking her questions while she studied,” said Peña. “I guess all that studying helped me when I got older because coming into the program, I had a head start with a lot of the information, but learning things I didn’t know was one of the most interesting experiences I had when I started here.”

As a La Joya Early College High School and STC Dual Credit graduate, Peña earned an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies before graduating high school, and said it was never a question that she would enter STC’s Vocational Nursing program.

After the pinning ceremony, which celebrates the students’ academic achievement reaffirms their commitment to entering a career in the service of others, Peña looks forward to entering STC’s Associate Degree Nursing program in the fall.

“Her dedication and perseverance are her greatest assets that is ensuring her success,” said Vocational Nursing Instructor Sylvia Contreras. “To Deseree, I would say stay humble and be proud.  Diosito me la bendiga in every step you take.”

Peña said her family, experiences at STC and especially her instructors will always inspire her to succeed in the career path she has chosen.

“It takes a lot of dedication to pursue this degree path. It does get hard at times and it can be very stressful, but if you really want it, and you put in the work, I think your grades will reflect that,” Peña said. “You need to learn to rely on your support system. There are people around you at STC that support you and who can push you to be the very best you can be.”

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