Marissa Martinez is a student at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing. Marissa has overcome abject poverty, homelessness, a chaotic family environment and personal tragedies in her pursuit of her passion to help others.

“As a first-generation student from a family that faced homelessness, addiction, and loss, I learned early what resilience truly means,” Marissa explained to us. “My father’s passing and my mother’s lifelong battle with addiction — followed by chronic illnesses that ultimately ended her life — shaped the way I see healthcare. Watching her struggle and realizing how much her lack of education and access contributed to her suffering, inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare so I could help others prevent and manage similar challenges through compassion and knowledge.”

Marissa was homeless at one point. When faculty at Orvis contacted Every Mind Matters for assistance, Marissa and her husband, who struggle to survive on meager pay, were close to eviction, and had nothing to eat in their home. Marissa was in danger of dropping out due to being behind on tuition.

But we learned what Marissa is made of:

“While working as a waitress, I earned my National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification and gained invaluable experience in patient care. I went on to complete my bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where I participated in diabetes prevention research and community health initiatives. Having spent most of my childhood in foster care, I later volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in El Paso — using my own experiences to advocate for youth who needed a voice and a sense of stability. That experience deepened my commitment to empathy, advocacy, and service.”

“My decision to become a nurse came later, after experiencing a miscarriage that required hospitalization. Although the doctors provided excellent medical care, it was the nurses who showed me compassion, dignity, and emotional support during one of the most painful moments of my life. Their kindness transformed my grief into purpose, and I knew I wanted to offer that same comfort to others during their most vulnerable times.”

“Today, I am proud to be enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing, and I am more than halfway through the program. My goal is to become a registered nurse who combines clinical skill with empathy, ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.“

We think that says it all. Every Mind Matters is proud to award Marissa Martinez a Fellowship. She has maintained a 3.5 GPA through all of that. She is set to graduate in December of 2026. Marissa is an incredible role model, and we think she is going to become an outstanding nurse.

We also hear she’s a very good cook…