Mariana: From CNA to Future Nurse

Mariana’s story is a beautiful reminder that no path in life is ever linear. It’s a journey shaped by resilience, and the courage to begin again.

A proud graduate of San Rafael High School, Mariana first pursued beauty school in 2013, eager to start building her future. But as life often does, it led her down different roads, ones filled with challenges, growth, and self-discovery. Through every challenge, Mariana never lost sight of her desire to create a better life for herself and her children.

In 2023, she found her way back to her true calling: healthcare. Mariana enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offered through Canal Alliance in partnership with the College of Marin. As a single mother of two, balancing her studies, work, and family was far from easy. Yet, her determination and love for her children gave her strength to keep going.

As a daughter of immigrants from Mexico, Mariana carries forward her parents’ dream of building a better future in the United States. She strives to be a role model for her children, showing them that with perseverance and education, anything is possible. Her youngest already dreams of becoming a scientist, inspired by the example his mother sets each day.

Through the CNA program, Mariana not only gained technical and clinical skills, but also rediscovered her confidence and sense of belonging. The guidance she received from her instructors and the College of Marin and Canal Alliance teams helped her grow as both a professional and a person. She also built meaningful connections with classmates, mentors, and employers, which led her to secure two part-time positions at senior care homes.

Now, as she completes her nursing prerequisites, Mariana is preparing to apply to nursing school in January, a major step toward her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Her journey is a powerful example of what can happen when determination meets opportunity.

Mariana continues to move forward with hope, not only for herself, but for her children, who see in her as a symbol of resilience.