Elizabeth watched her mother volunteer at Westminster Free Clinic and was astounded to witness the community's vast needs. As she watched the high school students translate and help patients, she knew she also wanted to help them in whichever way she could.
Elizabeth began volunteering through Westminster's Teen Healthcare Training Internship Pathways program in 2011. Her commitment was apparent in her work during the 3 years she participated at WFC. She was involved in all aspects of the clinic, which included patient care and community outreach. During her senior year at WFC, she and a few other teens started the SALUD (Student Advocates Leading Uplifting Decisions) group. Their first project was to partner with Latino markets to offer healthy food options for those who shopped at the stores. This group of students opened the door for the younger students to address community health disparities by becoming advocates. By this time, Elizabeth knew that her goal in life was to be able to help those less fortunate than herself by doing something in the healthcare field. With the help of WFC, she applied to universities with 4-year nursing programs. Elizabeth's volunteer experience, leadership skills, and grades helped her get accepted into the University of San Francisco and she was admitted into their 4-year nursing program.
Making the decision to move away from home wasn't easy for Elizabeth. She is the first of 4 children. With her mother pushing to finish a 4-year degree and with her father, who works as a window washer, being the only breadwinner, Elizabeth was often the one taking care of her sisters and brother, ages 16, 7, and 1. It was a tough choice to make. However, she knew she needed to follow her dreams and with the support of her parents, she moved 6 hours away. Elizabeth had many hardships including traveling 4 hours a day by public transportation to complete her externship. However, nothing stopped Elizabeth. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BSN in 2018 and since has received her RN license to practice. She has moved back home and now works at a local hospital.
Elizabeth continues to donate her free time to Westminster Free Clinic. She is grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of WFC's teen program. Her experience at WFC provided her with the confidence, leadership, medical skills, and communication skills to help her thrive. She continues to look forward to making a lasting impact on the patients at the clinic and in our community.