Inspired by family and perseverance

Jesus Marroquin is about to complete the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at South Texas College, a journey fueled by personal experiences and family encouragement. 

With a personal connection to nursing, the 26-year-old made his career choice during the COVID-19 pandemic when his mother contracted the virus and had to be intubated for five weeks. 

“I remember the doctor calling me every day until she woke up, saying she only had a one percent chance of living. I knew deep down that a nurse was taking good care of her despite the number of patients they saw daily, he said. “It is because of those nurses; my mom was able to come home. Now, I want to be that nurse who inspires others and spreads love and respect to patients.” 

Marroquin first learned about the LVN program at STC from his brother, who became a registered nurse through the college and informed him about the opportunities available. 

Now, Marroquin is set to graduate in December. Despite initially struggling in the program he kept pushing forward. 

“There have been ups and downs during the semester, but I’ve stayed consistent, this is what I’m truly passionate about,” said Marroquin. "STC has impacted me in a way that has helped me achieve my academic goals.” 

Prior to this, Marroquin completed STC’s Patient Care program, to improve his chances at being readmitted into the LVN program after a first attempt that didn’t go well. 

“After finishing the Patient Care Technician program, I reapplied to the LVN program and saw nursing in a whole new way," he explained. 

As the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother who is a registered nurse and an older sister who is a teacher, Marroquin wanted to follow in their footsteps and become a college graduate. 

His ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner and give back to his community. 

“I want to help by offering free visits monthly to whoever needs help. My clinic will be there to assist the people in need,” he shared. 

Marroquin expressed his gratitude to the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) and his instructors for their support. 

“I would like to thank VIDA for helping me get this degree and my instructors who have been amazing and have helped me think differently and critically, and have helped pushed me when things got tough,” he said.

Marroquin’s advice to himself and other students for the next semester is clear, "Be proactive with your studies and never hesitate to ask for help,” he said. 

“With next semester being my last, I desire to give it my all and achieve greatness." 

For more information on STC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs, visit southtexascollege.edu.