Mega Doctor News
By Veronica Salinas
After a 10-year break from school, 29-year-old Miriam Balderrama is just weeks away from completing her journey through the Vocational Nursing program at South Texas College, and for her, this milestone is about more than a diploma. It’s the culmination of years of determination, sacrifice and deeply personal inspiration.
Balderrama credits her return to college to the encouragement of former coworkers, supervisors, patients and above all, her family.
“I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl,” said Balderrama. “My paternal grandfather passed away from stomach cancer when I was 6, and years later, my maternal grandfather died from colon cancer. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to truly understand the value of life and health. I want to use what I’ve learned to help my family live longer, healthier lives. They are my biggest inspiration and the reason behind everything I do—they’ve shaped who I am today.”
Her journey back to school wasn’t easy. Financial challenges and lack of transportation delayed her dreams for a decade. But in 2019, her desire to pursue nursing intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and her father was hospitalized for nearly a month. The care and compassion nurses provided during that difficult time left a lasting impression.
“I’ll never forget the nurses at the hospital who cared for my dad,” she said. “They inspired me to become the best version of myself so I can care for others the way those nurses cared for him.”
Balderrama describes nursing school as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of her life.
“I’ve failed, cried and had sleepless nights, but I’ve also learned how to get back up. Nursing school teaches you strength and resilience,” Balderrama said.
Support from classmates, professors and campus resources played a vital role in her success. She gives credit to STC Vocational Nursing faculty members like Georgina Garza, Aracely Salinas, Geronimo Gracia and Maynard Espera as significant influences and expressed special gratitude to Mid-Valley Campus tutors Alexis Rodriguez and Jesus Estrada for their patience and encouragement.
Through the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) program, Balderrama received not only financial support, but also emotional guidance from a dedicated counselor who walked with her through the ups and downs of college life.
Despite personal struggles, including moments of self-doubt and emotional stress, Balderrama says she’s grown stronger and more determined to succeed.
“I’ve learned that I’m capable of so much more when I don’t let fear get in the way. Once I started trusting myself, I realized what I could truly achieve,” she said.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue her studies and become a Registered Nurse (RN). She also discovered a passion for labor and delivery, inspired by her time working with Dr. Heriberto Rodriguez-Ayala, an OBGYN who mentored her during her training.
“It took me 10 years to return to school, and now I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity,” she said. “My dream is to work in a Labor & Delivery unit. Women are incredibly strong, and I want to support them during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives.”
As she prepares to graduate, Balderrama finds herself reflecting on the incredible journey that brought her to this moment—a path marked by perseverance, growth and unwavering determination that has shaped the person and future nurse she is today.
“Reaching this point in my journey feels both surreal and deeply rewarding,” she said. “It’s the result of countless hours of studying, sacrifices and moments where I had to push through self-doubt. I’ve grown so much—not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually. Looking back, I’m proud of the perseverance it took to get here, and I’m grateful for every lesson along the way.”
For Balderrama, the finish line isn’t just the end of school, it’s the beginning of a lifelong mission to care, heal and inspire.
For more information on STC’s Vocational Nursing program, visit: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/vocational-nursing/.
Information source: STC
