Name: Michelle Mena Cardenas
High School: Aloha High School
Committed to: Southwestern Oregon Community College
Dream Career: Labor and delivery nurse
Song on Repeat: Diamonds by Rihanna
Hobbies: Outside of school, I’m a runner and do track and cross country. I also do felting and read a little bit when I’m not busy.
Who are you outside of school?
I have a single mother and I’m a first-generation student. My mother had me when she was 20-years-old, and that was very difficult for her. From a young age, I’ve only had my mother, grandma and younger sister. They taught me how, as a family, we need each other and the importance of a support group.
I was born in Newberg, OR and lived there until I was about five. Then, we moved to Beaverton where I began elementary school. That is where a lot of my first memories were created because they didn’t have a Spanish teacher, so I had to learn English in a dual language program. That was pretty difficult for me because I was the only kid in class who didn’t speak English and I remember getting picked on a lot because of it. But as I grew up, I found a community with other people who could relate to me.
How’s your senior year going?
The community at Aloha has really shaped a part of who I am. As a senior, I’m feeling more confident and outgoing and feeling a bit of that senior glow. I’ve never been able to go up to people and just talk to them, but this year I’m connecting with others more intentionally.
It has also meant a lot to me finishing up a two-year program called Beaverton Health Careers. Since junior year, I’ve learned about medical terminology, volunteered at elementary schools to teach dental hygiene, and this year I got to shadow at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center for three months. I experienced different areas of the hospital, including the labor and delivery unit. It’s my favorite extracurricular class because I got to go out and experience what I want to do in college and for the rest of my life.
Why do you want to be a nurse and what impact do you hope to have as one?
My mom is a medical assistant, so sometimes I would chill with her at work. I got to see how she is and how she takes care of kids in that environment. She’s always been one of my inspirations, but I want to take it a step further and become a nurse. When I was shadowing in the hospital, I truly felt like that was where I could belong one day. It just felt right.
As a nurse, I really want to have an impact on patients that I will take care of and their families and the community, too. I want to give them the best care that I can. I also want to volunteer in other communities that are not so fortunate and help out with my skills there. I want to be part of making a difference.
I want to be in a career that helps others because of the volunteer work I’ve been doing with the National Honors Society at food banks, churches and elementary schools. Those experiences made a big impact on me because I realize how fortunate I am. I love actively helping somebody access things they need whether it’s food, clothes or personal hygiene items. Even if I don’t get to see their faces or outcome, I know they will be appreciative.
What does earning a college degree mean to you and your family?
Nobody in my family has gone to college and that’s been a big motivation for me. Education doesn’t end with high school. You can never stop learning and I want to improve my education by going to college. My mom has always made it known that she supports me in anything I want to do. Even though she didn’t go to college, she tries her best to help me come up with questions, look out for things and do her research. She encouraged me to join College Possible, which has been really helpful. I always try to set up meetings with my coach, Julia, because they recommend scholarships, help me out with complicated paperwork and I like keeping them updated with all my college plans.
Why did you choose Southwestern Oregon Community College?
The cost of college can deter a lot of people away from college because of affordability and nursing programs are really competitive. I thought that if I went out a little further and went to Southwestern, I’d have a better chance.
I really like the small classroom ratio because it’ll offer more engagement with my professors. I’m already talking to the nursing program director there and we’ve spoken about what classes I should take to get ahead and meet requirements. Their program also interested me because they have that optional BSN for a fourth year, and that is what I was really looking at.
What about college are you most excited about?
I’m excited for the different vibes. In high school, everyone kind of knows everyone. I want to meet new people, see how my classes are, and learn new skills. I’m also ready for the change of scenery. I’m excited for a new daily dining experience, and, obviously, I’m excited to experience what the nursing program is like!
