Mega Doctor News
Yaritza A. Moreno is already laying the foundation for a career rooted in compassion, resilience and service.
She is currently working toward an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), completing prerequisite and required coursework before officially entering the nursing program at South Texas College.
Moreno’s decision to pursue nursing is deeply personal. During her high school years, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), a type of cancer that introduced her firsthand to the realities of patient care.
Throughout her treatment, Moreno was surrounded by nurses who provided not only medical support, but also comfort, encouragement and strength during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
“That experience changed everything for me,” Moreno said. “I was able to see how much of an impact nurses have on patients, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. After finishing my treatment, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Moreno now plans to become a registered nurse in the oncology field, with long-term goals of gaining experience and eventually pursuing the nurse practitioner route. She views nursing as a way to give back to the same environment that once supported her and to serve patients facing difficult diagnoses with empathy and understanding.
In addition to her academic goals, Moreno is highly involved on campus. She serves as secretary for the Student Government Association (SGA) and is an active member of multiple student organizations, including the Psychology, Biology and Criminal Justice Clubs.
Balancing academics with extracurricular activities may be challenging for some, but Moreno sees her involvement as a source of motivation.
“I like being on campus and being around people,” she said. “Being involved keeps me motivated. When I have a good day talking to people and feeding off that energy, it pushes me to go home and study, even if it’s late.”
Moreno describes herself as a “people person,” a quality she believes aligns naturally with a career in nursing. She enjoys meeting new people, learning their stories and understanding that everyone she meets is working toward something meaningful of their own.
One of her most memorable experiences this past semester came through her involvement with the SGA. Moreno attended officer training in South Padre Island alongside student leaders from across STC’s six campuses campuses. The trip allowed officers to build connections, share ideas and strengthen teamwork, creating memories, she says, she will carry with her throughout her college journey.
“It was such a fun experience,” Moreno said. “Getting to meet officers from other campuses and growing closer as a team reminded me why being involved matters so much.”
Moreno credits her family’s support as a driving force behind her success and determination. She believes her experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped her sense of purpose and reinforced her desire to serve others through health care.
As she continues working toward her nursing degree, Moreno remains focused on growth, involvement and giving back, qualities that make her a standout example of perseverance and leadership.
For more information on STC’s Nursing and Health Science Profressions programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/nursing/
