Hunt School of Nursing students looking ahead as graduation nears

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Monday night marks the commencement ceremony for the Hunt School of Nursing. 

It's an extra special occasion for four graduating students. A spokesperson for Texas Tech Health El Paso said these students had just graduated from the Silva Magnet High School in 2023. The students also received their associate's degree that same year. 

The students were part of the BSN Pathway in conjunction with El Paso Community College and Texas Tech El Paso. The program is aimed at addressing the nursing shortage in the Borderland. 

Now, at the age 19, the students are graduating with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They include Kristian Campa, Naomi Heier, Navely Sosa and Maria Zapata. 

Zapata told ABC-7 that at 10 years old she was taken to the ICU. She would be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Despite the scary diagnosis, she remembers the care of her nurses. 

“And I know people who go into the hospital don't go there willingly, and it's a scary experience for them too. So being able to provide some peace for them and some care is very amazing to do.”

Zapata said she now wants to help others the same way. 

“From the patient point of view, I think we've been very blessed to have wonderful nurses filled with knowledge, with kindness and care. And I wish to be the same to my patients as well," Zapata said. 

Campa also said he was inspired to enter the field of nursing after his grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. 

“Being there for someone at their lowest point in life and being able to talk to their family as well as been, it has meant the world to me, honestly. It's an amazing feeling, and I love it a lot," he said. 

Campa said these last years have been filled with lots of hard work and sacrifices. 

“But I can promise you, we're some of the hardest working people, you know? And, we know our stuff. We studied just as hard as any other nurse. We made it all the way through. And just because we're young doesn't mean we're not mature enough to take care of you.”

The commencement will take place on Monday, December 16th, at 6 p.m. at the Starlight Event Center.