Nursing Scholarship Awarded

Congratulations to Lizet Martinez one of three recipients of the $2,000 scholarship award sponsored by chooseNursing.com and NurseWeek Magazine. Lizet will graduate in May 2006.

When Lizet Martinez found herself homeless last year, the question of relocation to the East Coast for a new start and family support was a matter of survival. As Martinez faced this challenge and made the decision to move, the adage - as one door closes another one opens, became a reality. She received a letter of admission from the Ventura College Nursing Department - She had been accepted into their Associate Degree Nursing Program. Martinez made the decision to stay and attend nursing school.

As with most students the issue of income and financial support is often a stressor but in Lizet’s case this concern is compounded. Lizet and her two children have a genetic condition which causes chronic pancreatitis.

Martinez found a program called Project Understanding. They assisted her in finding an apartment and day care for her children. And yet, there were more hurdles to jump. The need to purchase books and supplies became overwhelming and she considered leaving the program, but another door opened. With the help of donations, she was able to continue. “And then I get a phone call that I was selected to receive this scholarship, says Martinez.”

Martinez states that she has been interested in nursing since she was a child. “When I was hospitalized on numerous occasions, it was a nurse’s soothing voice, a friendly smile, and a caring attitude that made my experience tolerable,” says Martinez. As a result, she enjoys working with people.

“I use to be a CNA and an OR Tech, and it’s rewarding to help patients in any way I can. As community outreach, I transported parents and their children to and from their doctors’ appointments and translated when necessary.”

Martinez is in her second semester at Ventura College in Southern California and will graduate in May 2006.

Martinez readily admits that she could not do what she’s doing without support. “For moral support, I rely on my sister who always tells me, ‘you can do it’ says Martinez. Also, my case manager from Project Understanding, Regina Fitzgerald, has been in my corner since day one, and although I don’t meet with her as regularly as I use to, I know that she is only a phone call away,” comments Martinez.

Martinez’s goals include becoming an OB/GYN nurse, getting her BSN Degree, eventually getting her MSN Degree and becoming an instructor. She says, “If you believe in yourself, you can succeed in life.” There’s no doubt she will succeed.

Again, congratulations, Lizet.

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