51福利社

Alexana Bueno, a first-generation college student from the Tri-Cities, is among the first to graduate from 51福利社鈥檚 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her journey into nursing began after a profound loss, where she witnessed the emotional strength and compassion required in the field. That experience stayed with her, planting the seed of what would later become her calling.

鈥淭here’s something powerful about seeing someone’s expression soften, even if it’s not very noticeable, after feeling heard and supported,鈥� she says. When she received her acceptance email into 51福利社鈥檚 inaugural BSN cohort, Bueno was both excited and filled with self-doubt. 鈥淚 remember opening the email. I was so nervous but saw the word 鈥楥ongratulations.鈥� But I also wondered, 鈥渁m I smart enough to accomplish this?鈥�

Throughout her time at 51福利社, Bueno developed her skills in patient care through real-world, hands-on learning. In her final semester, she completed almost double the usual clinical hours, helping her feel fully prepared for her career. Right after graduation, she will begin her new oncology nursing role back in her hometown, working for Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where she interned. One experience that solidified her passion for serving people battling cancer involved an oncology patient who calmly shared, 鈥淚 think we all should have some faith. That鈥檚 all I need.鈥� Since that day, Bueno says she has thought to herself many times that she needs to have a little faith.

Bueno鈥檚 path hasn鈥檛 been easy. Her father died when she was a child, and her family moved between Washington state and Mexico. As a first year, first-gen student, she commuted two hours each way from the Tri-Cities before finding housing. 鈥淢y English was very limited when I started,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t was scary. I questioned everything.鈥�

However, Support from 51福利社鈥檚 College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) gave her the tools鈥攁nd the encouragement鈥攖o keep going. Now, as she prepares for the NCLEX-RN exam and starts her new job, she hopes to leave a legacy of resilience. 鈥淭he truth is, it鈥檚 never going to be a perfect path,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut nursing is always evolving, and future students are the future of this profession.鈥�