Current GVSU Adult Learners
Vanessa Pena
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
After working as an essential health care worker at West Michigan
dermatology, during the pandemic, I was able to apply and received the
future for frontliners scholarship. This allowed me the financial
freedom to return to college as an adult learner. I have been in the
medical field since I was 16, and at my current job as a medical
assistant since I was 19. During COVID there were so many nurses
experiencing burn out and leaving the medical field. I knew it would
be a perfect opportunity to fill the void by becoming a nurse.
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
I am a mom, a homeowner, work 2 jobs and am a full time nursing
student. It seemed like there is never enough time in a day. I have
had to sacrifice time with my children, family vacations, endless
hours studying, attending class, my past 3 summers, financial security
and precious sleep. What helps me keep going is knowing that this is
just for a season. I will be graduating in a year with my BSN. If I
wouldn't have started I wouldn't be where I am today.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
My family and my fiancé all know how important education is to
me. They have supported me so much helping me on any way they can. We
have all had to make sacrifices, balancing life is not a
one-person job. It's about asking for help and learning to accept help
as well. You might not always get an "A" on the exam or have
the highest GPA but it's ok - you are still doing it. As a adult
learner you have to give yourself grace.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
Having my family and friends celebrate all my little and big
accomplishments thus far. It's been such an amazing, humbling
experience to know that I have so many people cheering me on. It
motivates me to keep trying my very best.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
Do it!! I can't stress this enough. Don't wait till the perfect
time, till you have enough money saved up, or till you have enough
time. There is no better day than today. It is so scary to leave the
comfort of normalcy and do something new. It feels uncomfortable and
at times you might doubt your decision, but nothing worth having comes
easy. It's about pursing your dreams and making them into reality.
It's your life and the time will pass one way or another so do
something that you know will make you a better version of yourself.
Interest Area(s)
Nursing
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