“After graduating from nursing school, I am excited but also nervous and anxious about starting my career. I want to provide the best care possible to all my patients and I trust in the foundation that RIC School of Nursing has provided. I plan on taking advantage of all the opportunities that come my way to keep expanding my knowledge and growing as a nurse.”
– Katherine Rodriguez, Rhode Island College ’21
We are so proud of every low-income and first-generation student who has pushed through their circumstances to persevere and get to this point in their journey–high school and college graduation! Your strength and hard work is unmatched! And, thank you to all the CV supporters who continue to volunteer and donate in support of each student striving for better! Thank you!
Read Katherine’s interview below!
What school do you attend? What is your major and graduation year? Why did you choose your major?
My name is Katherine Rodriguez Nolasco. I attended Rhode Island College to pursue a Nursing degree. I graduated on January 13th 2021. The reason why I decided to become a nurse is because I love helping other people and making a positive impact in their lives. Ever since I was a kid, I always knew that I wanted to work in the medical field, but could not decide what area would be best for me. When I arrived in the United States, 8 years ago, I would go to my medical appointments and observe the nursing care provided by the nurses. I loved all the aspects of the job. After these exposures, I realized that I was born to be a nurse. Up to this day, after going to clinical, I am glad that I have made this decision. I am looking forward to starting my nursing career and positively influencing my patients’ lives.
How has life changed for you during the pandemic? How is CV helping you get through?
My last year of nursing school was extremely difficult for me due to the pandemic. I had to adjust to learning my class materials remotely. In addition, I had to stop working every time a family member or myself became sick.
College Visions has been a great support for me during this pandemic. They have constantly monitored how I have been doing in my studies and directed me to other resources on campus when needed. In addition, they have provided assistance with choosing my class schedules and completing my FAFSA. Also, they issued emergency funds to students to help financially with food and rent throughout the pandemic. Even more, every time I needed my advisor to just open up and talk about my academic, social, and personal life, she was always available. I am very appreciative of everything CV has done for me. I would not have completed this degree without their support.
How was distance learning going for you? What are you most worried and hopeful about?
As previously mentioned, distance learning was very challenging especially during the first semester of my senior year because I could not perform patient care in person. I had to complete simulations online which was very different and demanding. However, I am thankful that I had the support from CV to get through this hard time.
After graduating from nursing school, I am excited but also nervous and anxious about starting my career. I want to provide the best care possible to all my patients and I trust in the foundation that RIC School of Nursing has provided. I plan on taking advantage of all the opportunities that come my way to keep expanding my knowledge and growing as a nurse.
How did you feel being part of your Nursing Ceremony? What is the significance of this moment to you?
Having my nursing ceremony was very meaningful for me. I was worried about not being able to experience this moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, the event was beautifully conducted virtually and I was welcomed into the nursing world by the Dean of the School of Nursing and all my previous professors.
What would you say to donors who are consistently giving to CV and making this resource available to you?
Thank you so much to all the donors that have made this program strive. You are helping so many students accomplish their goals and I am grateful to be one of them. Please, keep helping other students like me become young professionals. I hope that God blesses you and your family for keeping this amazing program running and providing the support needed to obtain a college career.
