Earlier this year, we announced the launch of our inaugural Student Scholars Fellowship Program, which aims to support the next generation of leaders and scholars who promote the wellbeing of Latinx communities in Washington state. This program includes an outstanding cohort of 10 students in health sciences programs across the campuses of the University of Washington and Heritage University. This week, we are highlighting Dulce Dominguez and Israel Cervantes, students at Heritage University.
Dulce and Israel were both seniors at Heritage University up until recently–they just graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science and Bachelor’s in Social Work respectively. Congratulations Dulce and Israel! ¡Felicidades!
Dulce was born in Chiapas, Mexico. She moved to Washington when she was about 10 years old and has lived in the Yakima Valley with her family for almost 13 years now.
“My mom, a single mother, worked hard selling tacos at a Taco Stand to be able to bring all of us to the United States. Thanks to her, I am graduating this year with my BSN,” she says.
“I knew that by choosing nursing I could help my community improve their health and make a change in every person I get to care for,” says Dulce when asked about why she chose Nursing. “Nurses play a very important role when caring for patients, they are the ones that get the most contact with patients and possess a great amount of knowledge that helps them diagnose and treat the human body’s response and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Now that she’s graduated, Dulce plans on continuing her career in nursing and promoting the health of her community. “I plan on gaining further experience and skills as a nurse by applying to a medical-surgical position in a local hospital. After five years, I plan to attend graduate school to be engaged in research projects that will improve the lives of those in Latinx communities,” she says.
Read more about Dulce’s story here!
Israel was also born in Mexico. He came to the US at the age of two and was raised in Wapato, WA, where he attended high school.
“Throughout my life, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who have helped me through my career, and I would love to be able to someday be that person for others,” he says when asked about why he chose the field of Social Work.
Now that he’s graduated, Israel wants to continue his career in mental health. “My plans are to continue with my education and obtain an MSW. Following I would like to pursue a PhD,” he adds. “Ultimately, I would like to be able to provide mental health [services] and assist with ending the Latino fear or disqualification of mental health issues.”
Read more about Israel’s story here (in English) or here (en español)!