Ana L. Reyes

Ana L. Reyes

Ana Reyes is a senior at the University of Nevada’s Orvis School of Nursing, a first-generation student whose parents are from Mexico.

Ana’s journey to higher education was exceptionally difficult. When her father had to return to Mexico to deal with immigration issues, Ana’s mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Exhausted from her extended work hours and short of sleep, Ana’s mother somehow made time to cook meals and be attentive to Ana. When her father returned, he worked two jobs to keep a roof over his family’s heads and the stress led to a bout of alcoholism. After her younger brother was born, Ana assumed responsibilities that children of affluent or even middle-class families do not see, and showed resilience and maturity. Despite the challenges, Ana played an important role in her father’s successful return to sobriety, and she began working to supplement the family’s income. Despite these challenges and work hours, Ana earned a 4.0 GPA and honors at high school graduation and even joined Upward Bound.

Ana’s employment history prepared her for a career in nursing. She developed finely honed customer service, inter-personal, organizational and leadership skills in both fast-paced, high pressure retail environments and as a certified nurse assistant serving a heavy patient load over very long work hours. These are all relevant, transferable skills.

Ana is a courageous young woman who has overcome countless obstacles. Ana’s university professors endorse her as very bright, highly motivated, conscientious, compassionate, ethical and mature. She displays an indomitable spirit and is an incredible role model for other nursing students.

Ana’s prodigious work ethic has not only made her into an outstanding nursing student, it has also empowered her to be eligible to earn a second bachelor’s degree. In December 2026, Ana is set to graduate with bachelor’s degrees in nursing and public health, a high-potential candidate for excellent nursing care and leadership.