FYS Class:

Class of: 2027

Major/Minor: Major: Nursing; Minor: Spanish Language Studies; Concentration: Spanish for Health Care and Human Service Professionals

Resident/Commuter: Resident

Favorite Class: My favorite class was actually my FYS course. I took it with Professor Santamaria Laorden, where I first learned about Spanish for Healthcare. With her guidance and my interest in the course, that is when I decided to minor and concentrate in Spanish for Healthcare. It made me realize I want to make more of a difference and this was the way to do it for me.

Favorite Place on Campus: My favorite place on campus is definitely the library. Specifically, the white tables when you first walk into the main floor. My friends and I can sit there and study for hours. It is just a great place to relax and be with friends while you’re all studying or doing homework.

Clubs/Organizations:
Biology Club: I attend many of the biology club meetings, especially when we do fun crafts or get to know more about the health field. I remember last semester we made dog toys for dogs in an animal shelter. Although I knew I was giving back in a small way, it still felt good. I also was able to attend a suturing seminar. It was amazing to learn how to suture from a professional, something I would definitely do again.
First to mARCH (First Generation Students Club) – I joined this club because I felt I connected to it. I identify as a first-generation college student. So I believed making friends with people who I have that with in common would benefit me. It sure did becase I made so many friends from it and are still working on recruiting more people.
Nursing Student Organization – This club I feel is the one I love the most. I enjoy it so much because I am given the chance to ask more experienced nursing majors for advice on the best teachers or how nursing is in junior and senior year. Being able to ask these questions really provides me with such relief. Everyone is also so kind and welcoming, especially when it comes to passing down their knowledge.
Spanish Club – The Spanish Club i actually joined because of Anna Kozan, my Spanish tutor and my Spanish professor, Professor Natalia Santamaria Laorden. They both encouraged me to go to the first meeting and I just fell in love with it from there. It is a great way for me to practice my Spanish skills and make even more friends. Overall, it is a great experience.

Future Plans: Before I start my clinicals for nursing, I would like to study abroad. The number one place I want to go is Spain. But I am open to any place. This summer and hopefully all of the summers until I get a nursing job, I am volunteering at Valley Hospital, I did an internship there in high school and they always take me back whenever I am on break. It is a great hands-on experience. During my breaks, I also work at HomeGoods in Closter and at my martial arts school, as an instructor. I still plan to do martial arts in the future but I also plan to get a job in a hospital. Preferably as a pediatric nurse since I have such a love for kids, especially the little ones.

Favorite Inspirational Quote: “If you aren’t willing to keep looking for light in the darkest of places without stopping, even when it seems impossible, you will never succeed.” – Amelia Shepherd, Grey’s Anatomy, Season 11 Episode 11.

Advice for First-Year Students: My piece of advice would be to not be so nervous. I was nervous my first week but it all turned out to be for nothing. This community is a welcoming one and we, as your peers, are here to help you throughout your entire journey here at Ramapo. If you have any questions, please don’t be afraid to come to us. Also, don’t be afraid to get involved. We have so many clubs and organizations here that you can be apart of. Pick one and go from there.

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