Mexican born Registered Nurse, Vanessa Munguia, is beginning her future again in the United States (US) by way of San Diego College of Continuing Education. Munguia is learning English and getting hands-on training with California’s nursing practices at no-cost to her.

“I came to America for better opportunities. I want to help my family in Mexico, I don’t want my mother and father to work anymore,” shared Munguia.

Born in Tizapán El Alto, a town in Jalisco, Mexico, Munguia was surrounded by her family and a good life. By age 25, she married and moved to Mexico City. Three years later she and her husband moved again to the US.

Although Munguia earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the Universidad de Guadalajara and worked for three years as a Registered Nurse (RN) in both Guadalajara and Tizapán, she wanted a fresh start in San Diego.

She always dreamt of being a nurse. “Ever since I could remember I enjoyed helping people. I am a passionate, empathetic, and patient person,” said Munguia. “When my grandma was very sick, I took care of her and was her nurse for six months.”

Following her grandma’s unfortunate passing, Munguia found it difficult to find more stability as an RN in Mexico. “Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I could not work in Mexico City,” she explained. “There wasn’t enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and facilities are not modern there like they are here in the US.”

Munguia is the first in her family to pursue higher education. “My father couldn't read or write, but I am so proud of him, he is very smart and works really hard at construction, and my mother took care of me and my 5 siblings.”

Upon her arrival to San Diego, the Spanish speaker found out about the College of Continuing Education through a good friend. Munguia first enrolled in beginning English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in fall 2022. “I didn’t feel smart, at the time I only knew basic English language like the colors and numbers.”

With the support of her community, she overcame her self doubt. Now Munguia is enrolled in advanced ESL classes and the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, where she participates in clinicals at Castle Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

“For me the College of Continuing Education is a blessing, the only thing you need here is the will to succeed. The school provides you with books and supplies and the teachers are amazing.”

The tuition-free 16-week CNA program at the College of Continuing Education prepares students for the state CNA examination and provides opportunities for clinical rotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Graduates become certified as a Nurse Assistant by the State of California and can work in rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.

“I wanted to give up a lot of times but I have been so lucky to have great teachers; Doria Ruhl and Diana Vera-Alba. They’re patient and compassionate, and helped me improve my English. The language is so difficult.”

Although Munguia is eligible to validate the nursing degree she earned in Mexico in the US, she is adamant about getting experience first. She is currently preparing to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, the state CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification exam, and later the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

“I want to make sure to be the best nurse I can be, so before I validate my degree I want to start with the CNA courses here and get used to how nurses work in the US,” said Munguia, who will also continue her ESL studies and begin an Acute Care Nursing Assistant certificate program at the College of Continuing Education this summer.

With an adoration for children, Munguia’s long-term goal is to work in pediatrics as well as in labor and delivery.

For anyone interested in learning English or changing careers, Munguia advises, “Don’t hesitate, visit this campus, I feel like I am at my home.”

She added, “I learned the phrase “don't give up” here. I remember my first day of class where I thought I couldn’t do this and I wanted to quit but my professor told me, “don’t quit, keep going, please Vane, never give up” even if you have obstacles, carry on and never give up.”

The College of Continuing Educations offers three tuition-free levels of ESL and seven no-cost Healthcare Career certificates; Nursing Assistant, Rehabilitative Nursing Assistant, Acute Care Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Assistant/Caregiver, Home Health Aide, Behavioral Home Health Aide, and Health Unit Coordinator.

Enrollment for summer session opens on Monday, May 13th. For more information visit, SDCCE.EDU.