Kyanna Sanchez
Name: Kyanna Sanchez
Age: 21
Major: Nursing
Class: Senior
College: School of Nursing
Hometown: Mission, Texas
High School: Sharyland High School
Why UTRGV?
As someone who is family oriented, I knew I wanted to attend UTRGV because of its proximity to home. UTRGV is a great university for students who want to achieve their goals in an affordable and efficient manner.
What made you decide on your current major?
Becoming a nurse was something I thought about ever since my mom went back to school to pursue nursing. Like her, I aspire to be the person who helps make a difference in someone’s life. The person who helps a mother return home to her children, offers a comforting hand to a young child in pain, or acts like a family member to the patient who has no one’s support. Patients should not be looked at as strangers, but rather family, and I believe that it is up to us as nurses to help them feel comfortable and get back to doing what they love.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
After graduation, my goal is to pass the state board exam (NCLEX) and acquire a Registered Nurse (RN) position at a local hospital and would love to work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Furthermore, to become a nurse practitioner, I would need to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to be able to practice and eventually open a clinic under a physician.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
I love that UTRGV offers many student organizations and gives students the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. Additionally, I enjoy the student life the university has to offer including the recreation center and student traditions such as welcome week and homecoming.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
To me, being a Vaquero means taking pride in everything you do including academics and working hard to reach your goals. As a Vaquero, we represent the future of our community, and having these qualities will help shape the individuals we become.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
Through the School of Nursing, I have volunteered locally for health-promotion events where I have been able to provide education on healthy-living to the public. Through my job with P-16 Outreach and Testing Services, I get to work with local schools and reinforce the importance of seeking a higher education and developing future goals.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
One piece of advice I would give to students would be to keep persevering. Burnout is something we as students may encounter while working toward our degrees, and at times, it may feel easier to give up than push through. Remembering why you chose your path and discovering ways to overcome these mental obstacles and persevere is a great start to combating burnout.