Posts by Rexine

“I was still in nursing school when I attended a DNAMP event in 2019. “You will see me again!.” I told Dr. Gould, who still inspires me with brief moments filled with words of wisdom- “Choose the program that wants you the most!

As an immigrant from China, the 1st college graduate in my family & member of the LGBTQAI community, the choices I make not only represent who I am but also demonstrate the possibilities for the people like me. Find your drive & seek out mentors! And, I am a proud member of DNAMP!

out, I worked religiously and did whatever I needed to ensure I was the ideal candidate for CRNA school. I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Conference at VCU last fall, and that experience reinforced my desire to become a CRNA. 

Today, I can proudly attest that I am a product of outstanding mentorship and guidance. There’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” so it’s fair to say that the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program is our village with countless mentors helping and guiding minorities like me to realize and attain our dreams of becoming a CRNA.”

“Four years ago, I left a progressive career in the Hotel Industry to become a CRNA. I attended nursing school at Johns Hopkins and worked in various ICUs. I set goals and pursue them relentlessly. 

Day in and day out, I worked religiously and did whatever I needed to ensure I was the ideal candidate for CRNA school. I had the fantastic opportunity to attend the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Conference at VCU last fall, and that experience reinforced my desire to become a CRNA. 

Today, I can proudly attest that I am a product of outstanding mentorship and guidance. There’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” so it’s fair to say that the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program is our village with countless mentors helping and guiding minorities like me to realize and attain our dreams of becoming a CRNA.”

Every Diversity CRNA event I attend is like a family reunion and feels like a big hug. These events are always inspirational and motivating to keep going harder! I have attended as a RN and now as a SRNA and each time I leave full of hope, joy, and pride. 

I am grateful to @lenagould for her vision and her team! I am grateful for those who came before me, those with me now, and those to come!”

A crna•ish moment of change…

“Saturday & Sunday is even more impressive!” 

 Vincent Doan, BSN, RN, CCRN making his presence known at the Meet & Greet for the Diversity CRNA 2022 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University! 

Representation matters! 

“I became a member of the Diversity CRNA and Mentorship program on May 15th, 2020. Before becoming a member, I was lost, not knowing how to initiate and follow through with applying to CRNA programs. After becoming a member of this community, I am proud to say that I was called for an interview at multiple schools and was honored to be accepted into the University of Pittsburgh CRNA program a year later. Special thanks to Dr. Rylee Apodacca and Levia Sutton for your guidance and help. Thanks to Dr. Gould and the Diversity Mentorship program team for providing opportunities for minority nurses like me to do what once seemed impossible. In addition, the Zoom conferences and mock interviews were instrumental in keeping up my motivation and ultimately help me succeed in what I once thought was unattainable. To all my fellow nurses passionate about becoming a CRNA, please continue to
persevere, get that admission, work tirelessly when you are in school, and ultimately DIVERSIFY the profession.”

 

 

“I would like to thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. I am a supporter of Diversity CRNA, and I’ve attended the workshop last summer at the University of Miami. That was a great experience for me. I would say that it was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot from the CRNAs, SRNAs, faculty, and from your team. I thought you should be one of the first people to know the great news that I received today. I got accepted to BSN-DNP, Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Miami. I have been applying for a year to different programs before I found out about the Diversity CRNA. After attending the workshop, I have learned a lot and met a lot of people who gave me insights into how to strengthen my chances of getting into a program. I also did not have UM on my radar until I attended the workshop and found appreciation of their program. The most significant was knowing that UM pays great importance to diversity. That is important to me. Again, thank you for what you do. May God bless you always and may he give you more strength so that you can continue to help people like me who are dreaming to become a CRNA someday.” – May 13, 2020

 

On July 2, 2020 – “This July issue of eNewsletter is full of very important information about diversity. You have talked about the historical outcry for justice and equality among people of color. I know change is happening and everybody, especially the minorities in this country will continue this fight until discriminations and prejudices are completely gone.
I thank you for including my story in this month’s eNewsletter. I am honored and humbled. Without Diversity CRNA, I wouldn’t be in the place where I am right now. Being accepted in a program was not easy, but because of what I have learned from the Diversity CRNA workshop, getting the exposure and having a chance to network in this profession through the mentoring program of this organization, I am now 1 step closer to achieving my ultimate goal. I pledge that I will give back, reach out to the people of color, and mentor those who want to become a CRNA. I will continue what CRNA legend, Dr. Goldie Brangman, and yourself have started. Thank you Dr. Gould for what you do, and thank you for making this world a better place.”

Respectfully yours,

Rogel Gonzales BSN, RN, CCRN