McAllen resident Rebecca Gutierrez always had career goals, but barricades kept getting in her way.
“It was always financial challenges of either paying bills or paying for school,” Gutierrez said. “I was not able to do both, at times.”
Gutierrez is a Valley native. She is also one of six children who witnessed their parents perform the grueling labor only migrant farm workers know.
“My parents both worked hard for as long as I can remember and always told us that education was the key to a better future for ourselves and our families,” she said.
Gutierrez and two of her sisters are first-generation college students.
Finding The Key
Gutierrez was unemployed but the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner was never far from her mind. She then saw something on the South Texas College website about Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. VIDA has helped Valley residents step out of poverty and into high-demand, high-paying jobs for over 25 years. The non-profit does this by providing financial assistance and a wide range of support services as residents navigate a degree or professional certificate.
“I want a better future, to be able to give back to my community while also educating myself to better provide for my family,” Gutierrez said. “I chose the VN (vocational nursing) program as a stepping stone and plan to advance to the RN program when I am done.” After that, she plans to take the final step in her never-abandoned goal: nurse practitioner.
VIDA accepted Gutierrez in September 2021. Their help has made all the difference.
“VIDA is helping me by paying for my entire school program until I graduate, including tuition, books and uniforms,” Gutierrez said. “I am focused on graduating with less stress and better odds in my favor with the financial help from VIDA.”
Unlocking A Future
She will graduate from the VN program in July. She already has a plan in mind for giving thanks.
“I am very grateful for VIDA’s help and will repay them by practicing in the Rio Grande Valley when I graduate, helping my community fill the void we have in the Rio Grande Valley for health-care professionals,” Gutierrez said.
As she looks toward the future, she sees the far-reaching impacts of VIDA.
“VIDA is important because it helps people in the Rio Grande Valley achieve their goals in education, which will, in turn, help the Valley become a more educated population,” Gutierrez said. “And this will reduce poverty levels in the Valley, as well.”