@kiki_porras: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 If you had asked me years ago, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” I probably would have never imagined standing here, about to become a nurse. After graduating with a double degree in Business Administration, I thought my future would be in the financial industry. In May 2020, I went back to school and earned my Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate at SRJC. By 2023, I was working as an Assistant Bookkeeper. I thought I was settling into the career I had envisioned for myself, but little did I know, God had other plans. Fast forward to 2024. With a toddler at home, I made the decision to go back to school once again, this time to pursue nursing. It was a decision that came with sacrifices, challenges, sleepless nights, and countless moments of doubt. But I was also blessed with people who believed in me. My Manang Rolenkim, was such a great influence and encouragement in helping me take that leap of faith and pursue nursing. And to my husband Andrei & my son Enzo, my biggest supporters throughout this entire journey, thank you for standing by me through every exam, every stressful week, every sleepless night, and every moment I felt like giving up. Thank you for your patience, sacrifices, and for believing in me even on the days I struggled to believe in myself. Thank you for supporting me through all my out-of-state clinical rotations, too. From traveling to Las Vegas once a week for four weeks, spending a week in Idaho, making our way to Virginia, braving the winter in Ohio, spending the summer in Tulsa, and now preparing for another winter and my last clinical rotation in Alaska next week. Through all the miles, changing seasons, and time away from home, you stood by me and made it possible for me to keep going. To my mama Ria & mama Arlene, thank you for your unconditional love, prayers, encouragement, and all the ways you helped support our family throughout this journey. Thank you for being there, for helping whenever you could, and for making it easier for me to pursue this dream. Your love and support mean more than words can express. I know this journey required sacrifices from everyone who stood beside me, and I will never take that for granted. I couldn't have done this without all of you. This achievement is not mine alone, it's a reflection of the love, support, and sacrifices of the people who helped me get here. ❤️ Now, two and a half years later, here I am. In just 45 days, I will officially receive my BSN. And in 139 days, I will begin a new chapter as a Cardiac Nurse Resident at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Looking back, I realize that none of those detours were wasted. Every experience, every challenge, and every season brought me closer to where I am today. God's timing may not always align with our plans, but His plans are always worth trusting. And just a beautiful reminder, it's never too late to pursue a different dream. We made it! Next stop, NCLEX! 🎓🩺❤️ Kathreah Porras BSN, soon-to-be RN. Summa Cum Laude Class of 2026 #bsnrn #gradpics #nursingstudent #graduation2026 #gradphotos @Nightingale College

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