Erin Garcia named September Rotary Student of the Month
Terra State Community College nursing student Erin Garcia has been named the College’s Fremont Rotary Student of the Month for September 2020. The Old Fort High School graduate of 2004 chose Terra State because of the convenient location and good things she heard about the nursing program.
Garcia resides in Tiffin, OH with her fiancé, Jeff and daughter, Alexandra. She has been an STNA for 17 years and currently works in the obstetrics unit at Tiffin Mercy Hospital. Garcia has been a part of the Tiffin Mercy Hospital for the past ten years, working in different departments to gain valuable experience.
When not at work or in class, Garcia serves as president of Terra State’s Student Nursing Association (SNA). She volunteers much of her free time in her community, helping with Heartbeat Medical, Share and Care and Adopt a Highway. Garcia will never forget the lifelong friendships, leadership roles and clinical experiences when she leaves Terra State.
As an adult going back to college, Garcia had to overcome numerous obstacles to build and be successful in a hands-on career.
“Finding childcare, graduating during a pandemic and virtual learning was definitely something I had to overcome but it was doable,” said Garcia.
Garcia decided to pursue nursing because of a long family history of medical careers. Her mother is a nurse practitioner and her uncle is a nurse anesthetist. After years of working in the medical field, going back to become an RN was the right path.
Her nominators Susan Kajfasz, associate professor of nursing, and Angie Wood, instructor, credits Garcia’s dedication to learning and showing respects for both her peers and faculty.
“Erin is an exceptional student. She is successful in her classes while also balancing work life and mom life. She is energetic, respectful, and kind towards other students and faculty,” said Angie Wood, nursing instructor, “It has been my pleasure to be a part of Erin's accomplishments. She is determined to contribute to our community for the better and I am excited to watch her do that.”
After Garcia graduates in December, she plans to continue working for Tiffin Mercy Hospital in obstetric or the ER.
She advises students to persevere and reach for their goals, even when you hit a roadblock and do not want to keep going.
“You are never too old. You are never too young. Things will get tough and you might fail a test or feel frustrated, but regroup and keep going,” said Garcia.