Martha Romero, RN
A 2007 graduate of the Health Careers Bridge to Nursing Program, Registered Nurse Martha Romero is diligently working toward the same goal that propels the Program forward—alleviating the critical shortage of bilingual, culturally sensitive nurses in our health care system. Her commitment and passion drew the attention of White Memorial Medical Center President & CEO Beth Zachary, who has provided Martha with opportunities to tackle this issue head on with California Congresswoman Hilda Solis, the California Board of Registered Nursing, and other influential forces in the State’s health care community.
I grew up in East Los Angeles’ Ramona Gardens Housing Projects, which are not too far away from White Memorial Medical Center, where I work today. During my childhood, my parents worked two to three jobs just to make ends meet. I was often left in the care of my two brothers who were both heavily involved in drugs and gang activity.
From a very young age, I knew that the gang lifestyle was not for me and decided to focus on my education to get ahead. In the projects, however, this is considered turning your back on the neighborhood. Because I chose not to be part of a gang, I constantly had to defend myself against gang members from my own neighborhood as well as from the neighborhood where my high school was located. I will never forget the time I was walking home from basketball practice, and four girls attacked me because they knew I lived in Ramona Gardens. I almost gave up that day, but something inside me told me to continue to fight these obstacles. I had confidence that I would reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
School was my escape, but unfortunately there were few role models from whom I could learn by example. By the time my high school graduation rolled around, I had lost over 20 friends, including some family members, to gang-related shootings. I was 18 years old and pregnant with my first child. My son’s father decided to enlist in the United Stated Marine Corps to provide a better life for our family. When my son was two years old, his father was home on a two-week stint from the Marines. During his welcome home party, a car drove by, shots where fired, and he was instantly killed. Later the police said that he had most likely been mistaken for a gang member because of his shaved head.
You may ask yourself why I am being so candid with my life story, and it’s because I feel that my story is not unique to this community. There are so many men and women who have similar experiences, who need to be steered in the right direction and given access to the same great opportunities I have been given. These are the opportunities that a nursing education and profession have provided for me.
As a single parent, I’ve had to overcome many challenges in working full-time while attending college full-time. Once I enrolled in the Rio Hondo College Nursing Program, I had to face hectic schedules that involved lecture, clinical, and lab hours. Because of the time required for my studies, I had to cut my work to 10-15 hours a week. My family struggled financially and emotionally, and my concentration shifted from school to “survival mode”—I was constantly wondering how I would make it through the week. I couldn’t purchase food, let alone the school materials I needed. I thought applying for government assistance would ease my worrying until I discovered that I would only be receiving $580 a month.
The turning point was when I received a scholarship packet at home that congratulated me on my hard work in school. It offered me an opportunity to apply for a scholarship through the Health Careers Bridge to Nursing Program. This scholarship program significantly impacted my educational experience. The first thing I did was buy a home computer. I no longer had to stay late at school and my safety was no longer at risk. I also purchased much-needed books and software that enhanced my learning process. I was able to purchase my first suit, which I recently wore for an interview with White Memorial Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery Department.
But the most important thing the Health Careers Program gave me was peace of mind. I could finally focus on schoolwork, and I no longer had to worry about where my next meal would come from or how I would pay for gas or school supplies. I had the confidence of knowing that the scholarship was there for me every month. And now, when I need advice and guidance, I have great people I can talk to who are always there to lend an ear and offer great advice. I feel connected to TELACU because I feel they understand me and my situation. I feel that, since I first became involved with the Health Careers Program, I have been guided in the right direction through mentoring and workshops that have prepared me for a responsible and successful career in the field of nursing.
The reason I chose nursing as a profession is because I wanted a career that gives back to the community, a vocation through which I can work closely with others and continue to further my education. Today, through firsthand experience, I understand the great demand for Spanish-speaking nurses in our health care system and for Hispanic role models in our community, And this is why I want to continue giving our community a voice and doing the best I can to help educate and inspire others to join me in helping meet this need.
From a very young age, I knew that the gang lifestyle was not for me and decided to focus on my education to get ahead. In the projects, however, this is considered turning your back on the neighborhood. Because I chose not to be part of a gang, I constantly had to defend myself against gang members from my own neighborhood as well as from the neighborhood where my high school was located. I will never forget the time I was walking home from basketball practice, and four girls attacked me because they knew I lived in Ramona Gardens. I almost gave up that day, but something inside me told me to continue to fight these obstacles. I had confidence that I would reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
School was my escape, but unfortunately there were few role models from whom I could learn by example. By the time my high school graduation rolled around, I had lost over 20 friends, including some family members, to gang-related shootings. I was 18 years old and pregnant with my first child. My son’s father decided to enlist in the United Stated Marine Corps to provide a better life for our family. When my son was two years old, his father was home on a two-week stint from the Marines. During his welcome home party, a car drove by, shots where fired, and he was instantly killed. Later the police said that he had most likely been mistaken for a gang member because of his shaved head.
You may ask yourself why I am being so candid with my life story, and it’s because I feel that my story is not unique to this community. There are so many men and women who have similar experiences, who need to be steered in the right direction and given access to the same great opportunities I have been given. These are the opportunities that a nursing education and profession have provided for me.
As a single parent, I’ve had to overcome many challenges in working full-time while attending college full-time. Once I enrolled in the Rio Hondo College Nursing Program, I had to face hectic schedules that involved lecture, clinical, and lab hours. Because of the time required for my studies, I had to cut my work to 10-15 hours a week. My family struggled financially and emotionally, and my concentration shifted from school to “survival mode”—I was constantly wondering how I would make it through the week. I couldn’t purchase food, let alone the school materials I needed. I thought applying for government assistance would ease my worrying until I discovered that I would only be receiving $580 a month.
The turning point was when I received a scholarship packet at home that congratulated me on my hard work in school. It offered me an opportunity to apply for a scholarship through the Health Careers Bridge to Nursing Program. This scholarship program significantly impacted my educational experience. The first thing I did was buy a home computer. I no longer had to stay late at school and my safety was no longer at risk. I also purchased much-needed books and software that enhanced my learning process. I was able to purchase my first suit, which I recently wore for an interview with White Memorial Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery Department.
But the most important thing the Health Careers Program gave me was peace of mind. I could finally focus on schoolwork, and I no longer had to worry about where my next meal would come from or how I would pay for gas or school supplies. I had the confidence of knowing that the scholarship was there for me every month. And now, when I need advice and guidance, I have great people I can talk to who are always there to lend an ear and offer great advice. I feel connected to TELACU because I feel they understand me and my situation. I feel that, since I first became involved with the Health Careers Program, I have been guided in the right direction through mentoring and workshops that have prepared me for a responsible and successful career in the field of nursing.
The reason I chose nursing as a profession is because I wanted a career that gives back to the community, a vocation through which I can work closely with others and continue to further my education. Today, through firsthand experience, I understand the great demand for Spanish-speaking nurses in our health care system and for Hispanic role models in our community, And this is why I want to continue giving our community a voice and doing the best I can to help educate and inspire others to join me in helping meet this need.
