A first generation immigrant from Mexico is looking forward to giving back to her community.
Celene was born and raised in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 12. After marrying and having children, Celene chose to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Although never homeless, she and her husband struggled and often found themselves making difficult choices with their finances. Celene knew that without aid she would be unable to afford to attend the nursing school that she had already been accepted to.
Upon learning about HIPS through the Community College of Aurora, Celene applied and was awarded a scholarship to attend nursing school. “Receiving this scholarship meant the possibility to continue my studies At the time I was awarded the scholarship I could not afford to pay for my courses any longer, which meant I would have had to drop out of the nursing program. This meant having to reconsider my education and I do not know if I would have any type of career today,” said Celene.
Celene recently completed nursing school and received her RN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is hoping to continue her journey by obtaining a job with a particular University of Colorado clinic that serves an underserved community which is largely Spanish speaking. “Hopefully I can use my strengths to make a difference in the care of this population and I can give back even a little of what I have received,” said Celene.