VIDA Boosts Mom’s Nursing Dream to Reality

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VIDA Boosts Mom’s Nursing Dream to Reality

Itssen Izaguirre graduationEarning $2.13 per hour plus tips as a server at Texas Roadhouse in Brownsville made it difficult for single mom Itssen Izaguirre to meet all of her financial obligations. This was especially true when she decided to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing had sparked her interest in middle school and Izaguirre felt the time had come to pursue it.

“I knew there was a shortage of nurses,” Izaguirre said, “especially when I was trying to find a job, and all of the openings in many different places were for nurses.”

Itssen Izaguirre and her daughterBut between rent, utilities and all of her other expenses, Izaguirre struggled to find the funds she needed to make her Texas Southmost College tuition payments. Then, one of her classmates, Valerie Perez, told her about VIDA, the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement

Founded in 1995, VIDA is the culmination of an idea formed by local leaders of Valley Interfaith and business leaders in the Rio Grande Valley who recognized the need to equip underserved residents of the Valley with the education, training, and support they needed to become self-sufficient and to rise out of poverty. VIDA also plays a vital role in providing local industry with the educated workforce critical to their success. It also serves as a source of recruitment for businesses considering relocating to the region.

Izaguirre applied to VIDA and gained acceptance.

“On top of all of the homework, assignments, exams and clinicals, I knew that at the beginning of each semester, I would be stressed out about tuition payments,” Izaguirre said. “Thankfully, VIDA gave me some relief. I had some freedom to not work as many hours in order to provide for my daughter and instead had time to focus on my studies.”

A Much-Needed Outlet

Itssen Izaguirre While VIDA’s financial assistance eased a heavy burden on Izaguirre, the nonprofit’s wraparound services provided even more for this first-generation college student.

“The weekly group meetings were really helpful to me,” Izaguirre said, “especially during the first semester.” That semester fell during COVID, a significant potential roadblock to success. “TSC was still offering classes remotely, leaving me cooped up at home every day with nothing but assignments, stress, and anxiety. Attending VIDA’s group meetings was so relaxing!” 

During those meetings, Izaguirre said, she learned important skills like study habits.  The meetings also gave her the opportunity to interact with other VIDA participants. 

“Those meetings kept me sane and focused,” Izaguirre added.

With VIDA’s financial assistance and direct support and her own determination to provide a better way of life for herself and her 3-year-old daughter, Izaguirre graduated at the end of last semester. In early March, she took and passed the National Council Licensure Examination, making her a licensed vocational nurse. She is currently in the process of applying for jobs. Once she gains six months of experience as an LVN, Izaguirre will qualify to apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program at Texas State Technical College. Her plan is to do so with VIDA’s help.

What started as a spark in middle school has now turned into a flame burning brightly for Itssen Izaguirre.

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