Steven Shirley, Ph.D., President | Minot State University
Steven Shirley, Ph.D., President | Minot State University
Vanessa Garcia's aspiration to help others began early in life. At 14, she was hospitalized with pancreatitis and became captivated by the nurses' care during her stay. This experience sparked her interest in nursing.
“I saw the nurses, how caring they were, and how much of an impact they actually have on their patients," Garcia recalled. "I remember asking them, how do you become a nurse? Is it hard? What classes do you have to take?” She pursued this curiosity by researching nursing and enrolling in relevant courses.
Originally from San Antonio, Garcia ended up at Minot State University (MSU) due to high recommendations and a missed opportunity elsewhere. “I heard from my uncle that MSU had an amazing nursing program,” she said. Although initially planning to study in San Antonio, a missed fee led her to apply last minute to MSU, where she was accepted.
Garcia is the first in her family to pursue a four-year degree. She utilized TRiO Student Support Services and joined the POWER program at MSU. As a TRiO Scholar, she also served as a Peer Mentor in the POWER Center.
“I mentor in anatomy and physiology one and two, math, Spanish, and I also help other students at our nursing school,” Garcia explained. She enjoys seeing students succeed after struggling with difficult subjects.
Helping four to five students each semester for about 20 hours weekly, Garcia assists even outside her expertise areas. “Sometimes I help with studying strategies even if it's not even my topic,” she noted.
While eager to return to San Antonio after graduation, Garcia values her time at Minot State for its supportive community. “Everyone here is absolutely nice and sweet," she shared. The Nursing Department faculty made significant impacts on her journey by offering personal support beyond academics.
“The nursing department honestly is so supportive," said Garcia. "The fact that they always notice you...they actually care about you.”
Minot State University is committed to excellence through education and community engagement.
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