Maria López-Nurse

In My Own Words July 2018 "Hello guys! Some of you do not know about me because I graduated 4 years ago from the program when BECA was in charge. Now HEDU has taken its role. I came to BECA 7 years ago when I did not have the resources to continue with my studies and achieve my goals. My oldest brother heard about the program by another BECA student. He talked about it, so I decided to apply and deliver my documents. I passed the application process and then I had to take a computer course and do a social project as a helper to an elementary school teacher to get the scholarship. The school is called Simon Bolívar in Masaya. I have always said “ Everything requires an effort to go far: hard work, devotion, discipline and punctuality are necessary.” The social project at Simon Bolivar School was one of the best experiences of my life and my reward was getting the students’ love and helping with their education. It was not easy to say goodbye to them after three months and I cried. I learned important things from the social projects in the community; to be successful you should start from below, to value who I am and what I have. We are not perfect but it taught me to be more human, to see others from a different angle than I used to see people. I started to study Nursing at Upoli (Polytechnic University of Nicaragua) at the time when the university offered nursing as a technical career and it was financed with 6% from the state. I had to pass through a process taking a course. I was not good with math and it was part of the journey. However, I challenged myself to achieve my goal to study in this university. Happily, I got through to my first option! At the beginning I was scared of the new journey because I thought it was not for me but here is my advice to you: do not doubt yourself even when your fears or negative thoughts come. I overcame that moment and I finished my technical career. After all my experience at university I decided to continue with my studies and get a degree in this area. You might be wondering how I paid for it . . . well, I got a scholarship from Upoli for being a good student in my first three years of studies. I accomplished high scores and I remember Maryury (the BECA Coordinator) always asked my superior about my performance but I did not worry because I was doing well in class. Thanks to the scholarship I could get my degree in Nursing. Also, I gave my internship at the Military Hospital (Dr. Alejandro Dávila Bolaños) where I learned different things that helped who I am today, too. The day of my graduation I was not expecting any recognition during the ceremony, so I was surprised by them with the “Cuame lade prize” and for being a volunteer. Listening to that was so nice for me especially because my parents were there and I could see their proud faces. The beginning is always hardest . . . It happened when I started looking for a job. In Nicaragua, if you want to get a position or a new job you should have experience. However, I have always put first my dreams and goals to God. My first job was at diabetic’s clinic where they assigned me to take care of a patient for a while and then I decided to quit my job. I’m grateful with them for the opportunity given. Currently I’m working in the area of orthopedics and surgery at the Military Hospital and sometimes I help in general medicine. I’ve been there for 2 years. You could imagine that I was a little scared but now I’ve got a lot of knowledge as a principal coordinator of the area. Recently I was named as an outstanding nurse in the area of orthopedics and surgery. I think it has been a great experience. I don't know what else fate has in store for me but here we go with God always with me. Nursing is a vocation that is not for everyone because students let their impulses have control of them without thinking. My profession is full of dedication, humanism, and patience. There are days of fatigue where all you want to do is rest from stress but the words of your patients are comforting when they say “Thank you”. My patients have told me that I really love what I do and they are right. I love my job! To conclude, I send a message to HEDU’s students: “Keep going forward without regard to the circumstances or experiences you are having. At the end you will see the reward of your hard work”. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. The rest is up to you. Remember if any time you need help from Maria Celeste, I will be there for you. . *Translated by Urania Montoya (July 2019)