Navigating the Path of Healing with Roots in Zacatecas and a Heart Bound by Compassion
Andrea Mares, a graduate of the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Madison College and born in Racine, Wisconsin, exemplifies resilience and dedication. She proudly represents her vibrant Latino heritage from Zacatecas, Mexico.
Her passion for nursing sparked from personal experience, being a premature baby whose life was saved by vigilant nurses. The flavors of pozole and the sounds of rock music are just facets of her rich cultural identity, which includes a deep appreciation for the works of J.K. Rowling and the art of Claude Monet. Her hobbies extend beyond her academic pursuits, grounding her in the joy and comfort of her Latino roots.
The Call to Adventure
Andrea’s journey into nursing began with a deep-seated desire to give back to a community that resembles her own family’s struggles and triumphs. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” Andrea explains. Her drive is further fueled by her Latino heritage, which places a strong emphasis on community and familial care. “Latino culture is very big on taking care of your elders,” she says, highlighting the blend of traditional remedies and emotional support that define her caregiving approach.
Photo by Andrea Mares
Refusal of the Call
Despite her clear vision, Andrea’s path wasn’t without obstacles. Struggling with the demanding prerequisites of nursing, she faced the tough decision to prioritize her education over work, a challenge compounded by the shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey felt overwhelming, yet through perseverance and the adoption of the Pomodoro technique for time management, she found her way back. “I just really focused my life around school and let God take care of the rest,” she recalls, underlining her resilience.
Photo by Andrea Mares
Meeting the Mentor
Guidance came in the form of experienced nurses and a particularly influential preceptor named Ellie. “Ellie really contributed to me getting more organized and thinking like a nurse,” Andrea shares. These mentors not only provided her with practical knowledge but also imbued her with the confidence needed to transition from theoretical learning to hands-on patient care.
Crossing the Threshold
As Andrea transitions to the world of patient care, she is keenly aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity, especially within the Latino community. Her bilingual ability and cultural understanding allow her to connect deeply with patients, making them feel seen and heard. “It’s very comforting to someone when they have a person that can understand them and their culture,” she notes, poised to create a safe space for all her patients.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies
The rigorous demands of nursing school tested Andrea’s resolve, but she found strength in collaboration with classmates and the support of her community. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize her studies, especially in challenging subjects like math and dosage calculations, shaped her into a more focused and determined student.
Approaching the Innermost Cave
With graduation on the horizon, Andrea reflects on how her heritage will continue to influence her professional life. “The care Latinos have for human beings is the most important thing you can have as a person taking care of another human being,” she states, emphasizing the universal value of compassion intertwined with a strong work ethic.
Ordeal
Facing the physical and emotional demands of nursing, Andrea draws strength from her cultural mantra, “Ponte, Las Pilas” (Put your batteries in). This attitude helps her tackle the stresses of the profession, bolstered by her faith and the personal approach she takes with each patient, treating them as if they were her own loved ones.
Reward (Seizing the Sword)
Graduation represents more than a personal achievement; it’s a victory for her family and a tribute to the sacrifices made by her parents for a better life. “This milestone signifies the sacrifices that my parents and many other people have made for their children,” Andrea shares, highlighting the profound personal and communal significance of her accomplishments.
The Road Back
Post-graduation, Andrea aspires to become a nurse practitioner, focusing on providing culturally competent care and being a comforting presence for the Latino community. “It’s much more comforting to receive care from someone who looks and thinks like you,” she asserts, envisioning a career filled with service and representation.
Return with the Elixir
Andrea’s advice to aspiring Latino nursing students is simple yet powerful: “Never Give Up.” She hopes to inspire and uplift future generations by demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can overcome any obstacle. “We can be their voice when no one is hearing them,” she affirms, committed to advocating for patients in their most vulnerable moments.
Through her journey, Andrea Mares not only navigates the challenges of her profession but also carries the torch of her cultural heritage, lighting the way for others in the Latino community to follow. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of roots, and the unyielding spirit of caregiving that transcends all barriers.
