Palmview single mom Esther Carreon had several goals in mind when she applied to the Valley Initiative for Development in Advancement after hearing about the nonprofit organization from a friend. Already a licensed vocational nurse and a first-generation college graduate, Carreon knew she wanted to remain in the field of nursing, but she yearned to further her education in the field. She set her sights on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Earning her BSN will allow Carreon to fulfill her professional goal but she has two other goals as well: serving as an example to her 13- and 15-year-old children, and providing a better life for them with the increase in salary and job opportunities she can expect.
As a single mother of two and a student, the costs associated with college, on top of her monthly bills, became daunting.
“I was interested in financial assistance for school and learning from the counselors in the program to assist in planning for success during and after college,” Carreon said of VIDA.
The mission of VIDA, founded more than 25 years ago through the efforts of Valley Interfaith and business leaders in the Rio Grande Valley, focuses on helping residents in the region rise out of poverty and into high-demand, higher-paying jobs, which also has a significant impact on the communities where they live. VIDA does this by providing financial assistance with tuition, books, child care, equipment and tools, gas and other expenses that would otherwise build barriers from earning the degree or certificate sought.
“Leaving your job to focus on school 100 percent is not an easy decision,” Carreon said. However, taking this leap made her goal possible.
VIDA founders knew financial assistance, though critical, only impacted one graduation barrier. They added case managers — who also serve as college counselors — to provide individual and group counseling to students to help them manage stress, learn time management, and develop study skills. When they meet with VIDA participants, case managers also counsel them on other issues that arise.
San Juanita Sanchez serves in this role for Carreon.
“I want to thank Ms. Sanchez for being a great counselor and for helping me and other students to never give up,” Carreon said. Sanchez is a VIDA graduate who gratefully accepted a job with the nonprofit to show current participants she understands their challenges because she lived through her own.
“Ms. Sanchez shared her story with us and makes us feel welcome and heard,” Carreon added. “The program has allowed me to manage my time and my stressful situations. The weekly meetings have helped me stay on track with my goals and have kept me motivated.”
Carreon said her two teenage children are understanding of the time she must take to study; her example will have an invaluable impact on their futures as well.
As Carreon looks toward her May 2023 graduation and passing the national exam that will give her the title of registered nurse, Carreon lovingly reflects on her parents.
“My mother only completed high school and my father, middle school in Mexico,” she said. “I come from a hardworking family that has always been there for me and supports me.”
With this support from her parents, her children, and VIDA, Carreon will walk the stage at her UTRGV graduation in two months.
“VIDA is important because it supports students like me follow our dreams,” Carreon said. “It also helps our community prepare future professionals who are willing to make a difference.”