TSTC students talk about balancing college and motherhood

HARLINGEN — Jeana Flores and Noemi Rodriguez are two mothers who also are enrolled as students in the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus.

Flores is a mother of three children, and Rodriguez is a mother of four.

Recently they shared how they have been able to balance a college education and motherhood.

Flores, a third-semester Nursing student, said her support system has helped her.

“Thanks to the program’s hybrid format, my husband and mother help take care of the children so I can concentrate on my studies and clinicals,” she said.

The Los Fresnos native said her husband’s encouragement inspired her college journey.

“(He) is the person who motivated me to enroll in TSTC’s Nursing program,” she said. “I first became a vocational nurse through a local hospital’s program in 2010.”

Rodriguez, a second-semester Nursing student, said that time management has worked for her.

“It’s been quite an adjustment because I haven’t been in a full-time medical program in 10 years,” she said. “I graduated with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing from TSTC in 2013. I do my best to manage my children, school and work. I’m asked, ‘How do you get things done?’ My response is that I’ve been blessed to manage it well on my own.”

The Harlingen native said her children inspire her to be a role model.

“When they do their homework, I do my schoolwork,” she said. “They have positive comments about what I’m doing. I don’t want them to go without the things they will need in life. If I don’t offer that, then who will? My commitment to this program is for all of us.”

She was encouraged by her colleagues at work to enroll in TSTC’s Nursing program.

“I work at a local hospice company, and my co-workers noticed my work ethic,” she said. “I have observed the work that the registered nurses do at the hospice company. That inspired me to accept their challenge. I sincerely enjoy helping others and helping them when they feel scared.”

Adrienne Reyes, TSTC’s Nursing program director, said Flores and Rodriguez have exhibited great determination.

“These women show others that juggling school, work and family life can be accomplished,” she said. “Family support, determination and organization are key components to our students’ success. Without that support, they would be unable to meet deadlines and attend scheduled meetings and clinicals.”

Prospective students have until June 30 at 5 p.m. to submit a completed application for the 20-month Associate Degree in Nursing program, which is offered at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. Any student applying to this program must already be classified as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, graduates are classified as registered nurses (RNs).

For complete program requirements, visit www.tstc.edu/program-requirements/nursing/.