网曝吃瓜

All of her life, Elena Herrera dreamed of building a career in medicine.

So, after graduating from high school, the first-generation student headed to Metropolitan State University of Denver to make those dreams come true.

Herrera鈥檚 first week at 网曝吃瓜 was busy: at the same time she began classes full-time as a Nursing major, she started a job as a certified nursing assistant.

The following semester, Herrera took her first biology class (鈥淚 loved it so much!鈥�). And with guidance from her incredible professors and the nurses she worked with, Herrera made the decision to switch her major to Biology. She plans to pursue a Physician Assistant master鈥檚 program after graduating in spring 2027, intending to work in surgery.

Joining the Roadrunner family opened up a world of possibilities for Herrera through life-changing programs, wraparound services and scholarships that are bringing her closer to reaching her goals 鈥� and she鈥檚 making the most of them.

Not only has Herrera had the opportunity to conduct research on zebrafish with faculty in the University鈥檚 genetics lab 鈥� using the fish鈥檚 biological systems to study human diseases 鈥� but she has also served as a teaching assistant, supporting fellow Roadrunners in chemistry classes and the cadaver lab. She credits working as a TA with teaching her how to better advocate for herself and her patients in her job as a CNA.

Herrera has greatly benefited from other resources, too, including: access to Rowdy鈥檚 Corner, allowing her to learn without the worry of being hungry; healthcare-focused career fairs for building relationships with hospitals where she will one day practice; and scholarships that are enabling her to complete her degree without the burden of debt.

In spring 2027, Herrera will take part in another transformative experience, spending the semester shadowing a physician assistant as part of the Health Interest Program with Denver Health. 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure what field I want to work in 鈥� maybe trauma surgery or orthopedics 鈥� so hopefully, this will help me figure it out,鈥� she said.

Regardless of the path she chooses, Herrera will be prepared for the bright future she imagined for herself.

None of this would be possible without 网曝吃瓜 alumni and friends of the University supporting the higher education journeys of Roadrunners like Herrera, ensuring they have what they need to grow academically, personally and professionally.

鈥淚 consider myself a healer and have always wanted to use my knowledge to care for people in underserved communities, both mentally and physically,鈥� said Herrera.

鈥淏ecause of donor support, I can.”