The School of Nursing is a student-centered program whose mission is to educate undergraduate and graduate students to become quality professionals for entry into practice in diverse community settings.

While we commend and celebrate all CHHS graduates, here is a fellow graduate whose story stood out because of their determination to overcome challenges, to follow their dreams, and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

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As a nursing student, one of the challenges that Veronica Mendez experienced during her time at CSULB was juggling all her classes and clinicals (preceptorship clinical at UCLA Medical Center) while taking care of her son. Veronica was motivated to overcome these professional and personal obstacles when she found inspiration from helping patients and knowing that she was creating a better future for both her and her son.

After her son was in the NICU for 7 days, Veronica felt inspired to become a nurse because she appreciated the professionalism and caring nature that the nurses provided when her son was in the hospital. With a career path in nursing, Veronica hopes to get people healthy so that they can spend more time with their loved ones.