Nursing Scholarship Awarded

Michele León decided to make a career change when she lost both her parents to cancer. After her father passed, Michele became the primary caregiver for her mother and as her mother’s condition advanced, she was moved to Hinds Hospice in Fresno California. It was there, when “nursing” and what it means to be a nurse was redefined. The hospice staff provided care with compassion, demonstrated respect and ongoing support. This experience gave Michele a front row seat to observe nurses integrate science and the art of caring.

Michele’s passions are pediatric oncology and working with children of migrant workers. The opportunity to interact and offer comfort to patients (especially children) and their family members is what Michele finds most rewarding and what she loves about nursing.

In the beginning Michele thought her age was really going to be a barrier. “I was challenged from the start,” says Michele, “because I was 43 years old when I went back to school. My self-confidence was a bit shaken, and I had to balance time for my son and husband.” However, over time and with the support from instructors Michele’s perception of age as a barrier really became an advantage. She soon learned that she brought life skills and work experiences that she could share with her younger student peers.

Michele’s first mentor was her mother. “I applaud my mother for giving me a good foundation of love when I was growing up,” Michele says proudly. “It enabled me to see her through her transition.” Her second mentor, Louise Paulsen, is a first semester nursing instructor. She’s been a tremendous help and they have become friends.

Michele entered nursing school with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and in December will graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from California State University in Fresno. She’s already thinking about a Masters of Science degree in Nursing.

Nine months after her mother passed away, she returned to the Hinds Hospice in Fresno as a volunteer. Michele is committed to giving back as a hospice volunteer. It got her through the first couple of years of loneliness.

Michele currently works as a pediatric nurse extern in the Craycroft Oncology unit at Children’s Hospital of Central California.

Congratulations, Michele!

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