Nursing Scholarship Awarded

It's hard for Sondra Rodriquez to contain herself. She is excited and rightfully so. She is in her last semester of her nursing program at Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo and will graduate with an ADN degree in May 2007.

Her goal is to focus on making a difference in peoples' lives. Her inspiration comes from her mother who was also a caregiver. "I believe it takes a certain type of person to become a nurse and I get those qualities from my mother," says Rodriquez.

Rodriquez's most challenging time in nursing school was in her second semester. The night before one of her final examinations, she learned that her brother had been attacked and brutally beaten and was in Emergency. The decision to be with her brother or take her final was a no brainer for Rodriguez. She chose to stay with her brother as she and other family members rotated turns around the clock to make sure he had the best care. Although Rodriguez missed seven days of school, the faculty understood and was with her all the way. She realized having the support of her instructors helped her get through a very troubling time. However, there is one clinical instructor and lecturer that has been her strength. "I model myself after Cathy Cyr," says Sondra, "because she is awesome, smart, encouraging, and a great motivator."

Currently working at Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton, California, in OB/GYN, she will continue to work in the same department after graduation. "I will be so excited to have RN after my name," Rodriguez says.

Even though work and school are challenging, Rodriguez realizes the importance of giving back and has done volunteer work at Twin Cities for the past five years.

Her future plans include completing her BSN degree on-line and getting a MSN degree. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in OB/GYN. "Oftentimes, women focus their attention on everyone else's care while their care takes a backseat," says Rodriquez.

Rodriquez currently works with the Spanish speaking population in her current job. She says her greatest moments have been helping when no one else could communicate and meet their needs.

Congratulations Sondra!

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