‘Painting the picture of who I am’

Only a year and a half after she was born in Morelos, Mexico, Paola Gomez and her family fled to the United States, seeking shelter from gang violence in their hometown and a better life in the U.S.

Not long after she arrived, however, Gomez found herself in the middle of another conflict—this time about the status of immigrants coming into the country.

"A lot of people did not like the idea of me being here and continuing my education and becoming something in life," she says. "Thankfully, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) got approved. Because of DACA, I was able to get a social security number, I was able to drive, and continue my education. I was living the American dream."

Gomez became a certified nursing assistant at the age of 16, graduated high school, and enrolled at UMR. There, during her junior and senior years, she embarked on UMR’s Capstone Experience, a unique curriculum program that allows each student to pursue opportunities that aligns with their personal and professional goals.

For Gomez, the experience included real-world learning through an internship at the Mayo Clinic and an emphasis on connecting with fellow students through UMR’s Living Learning Communities.

"Because of my Capstone Experience, I was able to define the person I am today and the kind of health care provider I want to become in the future," she says.

See Gomez’ heartfelt reflection of her Capstone Experience below.