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Fernando Nava Gonzalez had a transformative experience during his college years at TLU—but it didn’t have anything to do with his formal education. He was in a car accident that left him with a measure of wisdom he hadn’t possessed before. “It made me realize how quickly life can change and pushed me to truly appreciate my life and the people around me,” he says. “Before that, I was very focused on school and often overlooked the importance of slowing down and enjoying the moment. That experience helped me find a better balance and reminded me to be present, both in my personal life and as I move forward in my nursing career.”

This spring, Nava Gonzalez will graduate with his BS in nursing, and after that, he’ll be jumping into the field with both feet, getting experience in a hospital setting and continuing his own education with the goal of eventually helping other nurses to learn. “After graduation I plan on becoming an Intensive Care Unit nurse as well as becoming a travel nurse,” he says. “I will also be pursuing higher education to become a nurse anesthesiologist and a nurse educator.”

But whatever phase of his career Nava Gonzalez is in, his ultimate goal boils down to one thing: He will be dedicated to serving others. “I hope to bring positivity and compassion into healthcare as I begin my career in nursing, creating an environment where patients feel truly cared for,” he says. “I want to support and uplift my coworkers, especially during challenging moments, by being someone they can rely on. As I grow, I hope to help guide and inspire future nurses by leading with kindness, strong communication, and teamwork. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a culture where both patients and healthcare professionals feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow.”