Kristine Miller, CNSA Membership Director North 2011-2012
My road to Nursing has been an interesting, unpredictable journey. I was homeschooled throughout elementary school, middle school, and most of high school (with exception to a year-and-a-half at public high school), and
always had big dreams to someday change the world –but not even once did I consider becoming a Nurse. I’ve
always had a sense of adventure, and couldn’t wait to start living my life; traveling to different places, experiencing new cultures, learning new things.
I decided to graduate high school early, and at the age of 16 began my college pursuit. I attended Cuesta College for three years, not knowing which avenue to take in order to achieve my vague dream of making a difference. Eventually I decided that teaching English to speakers of other languages was my goal. I transferred to California State University, Chico to attain a degree in English Education, with a double-minor in Linguistics and Creative Writing. However, halfway through my schooling at Chico State I went on a Missions trip to Vicente Guirrerro, Mexico, and it changed my life.
I had been on many missions trips before this trip in January, 2009, but what made this trip special was my introduction to a six-year-old boy named Stefan. Stefan was an extremely disabled child who was small enough for me to carry in my arms like an infant. His family thought his disabilities were a result of something they had done, and they were so ashamed
that they had never taken Stephan outside of their home. Stefan had never learned to talk, and his body had grown in the shape of his swaddled blankets. While visiting, I took Stefan to a local orphanage to have him assessed by a doctor and physical therapist. This is where Stefan had his first interaction with children who were not his siblings. I gave him his first bath, and brushed his teeth for the first time. In all of this, I saw him change
from a frightened child to a happy, smiling little boy. Because of Stefan I realized that it didn’t matter if people were able to speak English – if they were disabled, sick, or dying, they needed to be taken care of. That was the day I decided I wanted to become a Nurse.
When I returned to Chico, I transferred to Butte College for my nursing prerequisite classes, and after those were finished I transferred to California State University, Fresno for the Nursing Program. I immediately joined and became an active member in CNSA, realizing that CNSA was my way of “giving back” while still in school. My desire is to help others, and to be an advocate for those who cannot help themselves, and CNSA allows me to do so as a Nursing Student.
Nursing school is difficult –I think we can all agree on that – But every single time I feel like it’s too difficult for me, I see Stefan’s face in my mind and I know why I am going through this. He is my inspiration. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse and care for people just like him.
always had big dreams to someday change the world –but not even once did I consider becoming a Nurse. I’ve
always had a sense of adventure, and couldn’t wait to start living my life; traveling to different places, experiencing new cultures, learning new things.
I decided to graduate high school early, and at the age of 16 began my college pursuit. I attended Cuesta College for three years, not knowing which avenue to take in order to achieve my vague dream of making a difference. Eventually I decided that teaching English to speakers of other languages was my goal. I transferred to California State University, Chico to attain a degree in English Education, with a double-minor in Linguistics and Creative Writing. However, halfway through my schooling at Chico State I went on a Missions trip to Vicente Guirrerro, Mexico, and it changed my life.
I had been on many missions trips before this trip in January, 2009, but what made this trip special was my introduction to a six-year-old boy named Stefan. Stefan was an extremely disabled child who was small enough for me to carry in my arms like an infant. His family thought his disabilities were a result of something they had done, and they were so ashamed
that they had never taken Stephan outside of their home. Stefan had never learned to talk, and his body had grown in the shape of his swaddled blankets. While visiting, I took Stefan to a local orphanage to have him assessed by a doctor and physical therapist. This is where Stefan had his first interaction with children who were not his siblings. I gave him his first bath, and brushed his teeth for the first time. In all of this, I saw him change
from a frightened child to a happy, smiling little boy. Because of Stefan I realized that it didn’t matter if people were able to speak English – if they were disabled, sick, or dying, they needed to be taken care of. That was the day I decided I wanted to become a Nurse.
When I returned to Chico, I transferred to Butte College for my nursing prerequisite classes, and after those were finished I transferred to California State University, Fresno for the Nursing Program. I immediately joined and became an active member in CNSA, realizing that CNSA was my way of “giving back” while still in school. My desire is to help others, and to be an advocate for those who cannot help themselves, and CNSA allows me to do so as a Nursing Student.
Nursing school is difficult –I think we can all agree on that – But every single time I feel like it’s too difficult for me, I see Stefan’s face in my mind and I know why I am going through this. He is my inspiration. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse and care for people just like him.
