El Paso is a community full of many strong and intelligent women of all ages. Today we introduce you to a local woman who is breaking barriers and making history by becoming UTEP’s youngest Nursing graduate.
At only 19-years-old, Andrea Hernandez became the youngest in her cohort to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from The University of Texas at El Paso.
Andrea was part of the inaugural class at Americas High School’s Early College program in 2017. She, later on, received her associate’s degree from El Paso Community College (EPCC) in 2021 and proceeded to transfer into the Nursing program at UTEP.
““I think healthcare is an area in which you get an incredible amount of support from a lot of people,” said Andrea, “It’s a very difficult career but it’s something that I think has a lot of heart and that is a big thing for me.”
Since 2005, EPCC has been a supporter of the Early College High School program. The Early College High School program has a partnership with EPCC and eight different school districts within the region. The Early College program creates a way to have a supportive environment for students to be able to overcome any challenges to reach their full potential.
EPCC’s Early College Program will allow students to receive an associate’s degree while attending high school.
“The teachers at EPCC had higher expectations,” Andrea said.”All early college teachers were incredibly supportive and fostered student success.”
At an early age, Andrea decided that one day she would become a nurse.
“I watched how considerate nurses were and that was the only choice I wanted to follow.”
With her employment secured at the esteemed Hospital of Providence, Andrea Hernandez is on her way to becoming a Registered Nurse. Her Aspirations extended even further as she envisions specializing in Progressive Care, a goal she aims to achieve upon successfully passing the rigorous NCLEX State Board of Nursing examination.
Andrea hopes to continue her career in Nursing and hopefully one day she can teach future nurses who have as much passion as she did when she began the career.
“After I get enough experience I want to come back and get my masters in nursing education and be a teacher in nursing.”
Mija, Yes you can. 