My name is Tania Mendoza, and I have the privilege of being a recipient of the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship. I am a proud Mexican American who comes from a family of immigrants. I remember having to interpret for my parents at clinics and hospitals as a child and realized that I wanted to become a nurse. Like many others, my parents struggle to receive support and access to healthcare. When my parents migrated to the United States, they found it difficult to navigate systems that did not accommodate their language, and it was difficult to find stable-paying jobs that provided them with a living wage. My parents worked long hours doing agricultural work to provide a better life for my siblings and me. I am inspired and dedicated to helping those in need by giving back to my community and pursuing my goal of becoming a nurse.

.           Growing up in a rural area with limited resources, I witnessed first-hand how people in rural communities are impacted by their health when resources are scarce. As a result, I have become passionate about addressing health disparities within underserved communities. My passion led me to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Oregon State University in 2021. Following my degree, I worked as a Clinical Health Navigator at a medical clinic assisting uninsured patients in signing up for health insurance and connecting them to resources. In this position, I also provided health education to patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. I obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to work as an on-call CNA on the weekends to provide direct care to residents in a rehabilitation center. Working alongside nurses and medical doctors in both jobs, I gained the confidence to continue my education as a nurse. Now, with support from the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship fund, I am excited for the next step in my career to obtain my Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). As a nurse, I plan to use my bicultural and bilingual skills to support diverse populations with compassionate and genuine care.

             I am a very family-oriented individual who loves to be in community with others, going on walks, and listening to music in my spare time. I also love to travel and experience new adventures. Lastly, I dedicate time to work on my physical and emotional well-being by cooking well-balanced meals, being physically active and practicing self-care.