Nursing school is serious work. It takes focus, commitment, and a passion for helping others. We caught up with Celina Cortado, a member of the class of 2026, who explains that those aspects are just part of the equation.

In a recent interview, Celina Cortado shared more about what inspired her to pursue nursing, what drew her to VCU, how she manages the demands of school, and what it means to her to be part of the Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) Club. 

What has your experience at the VCU School of Nursing been like so far?

In my first year, I have wholeheartedly enjoyed all the experiences I have participated in while attending VCU’s School of Nursing! Though the courses I have taken would not be what one would consider particularly “easy,” each opportunity has given me room to not only learn, but grow as an individual who will soon enter the field of nursing. With every clinical and simulation that I participate in, I know that each day, I continue to equip myself with skills that I will use daily once I graduate from the program. However, if I had to take note, I would say that one of my most memorable moments while in the program would be my first clinical rotation. A patient which I was caring for was in an unfortunate situation and state, one where they required a great deal of assistance. Despite having a number of goals to meet, in my time I was able to care for them and watch them achieve many milestones. After talking with my nurse [supervisor], I realized just how great of a difference nurses can make in a patient’s life. Nurses help set the tone for patients, largely influencing the experiences which they have while in the hospital.

What made you decide to go to nursing school?

Even as a young girl, the medical field as a whole had always drawn me in; from quietly listening to my grandmother’s stories about being a pharmacy technician in both the Philippines and in the U.S., to then watching my older sister work through Sentara’s nursing program, it felt as though I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. From then on, I began to outwardly express an interest in the field of nursing, excited and inspired. 

Though excitement brewed, it was in my junior year of high school that I felt I was truly given the sign to pursue such a career. That year, my family and I received the news that my uncle had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. As if that news wasn’t painful enough, my family and I watched as his battle only worsened as the days continued on. Although his fight was shorter than what we expected, I knew then and there that nursing would be my life’s calling–I was truly in awe of the unmatched level of care given by my uncle’s nurses. The compassion and understanding they provided to not only him, but my family as well, truly allowed us to find peace in my uncle’s last moments of life–leaving me with something I will never forget. From that day forward, following his passing, I knew I wanted to do the same for other families facing the same tough times as my own: providing nothing but empathy and care to those who need it most.

What has helped prepare you for the demands of nursing school?

I genuinely do not believe that there is enough preparation one can do to meet the demands of nursing school, but there are a few things one can do to make a difference. With the guidance I have been given from my older sister, peers, and professors, I can say with confidence that they have affected me and helped guide me along my academic journey. Some of the advice I have been given has influenced the ways in which I learn and study. However, despite all the study techniques that one could even try to conquer, the best advice I have received is to simply take it day by day.

The biggest lesson I have learned from nursing school thus far is that you are not alone. Being in such a rigorous program, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Some days I question if I am even good enough for the program. Still, it then becomes of utmost importance to remember your ‘Why.’ That ‘Why’ being the reason why you want to become a nurse, and the fact that you were accepted into the program in the first place. Together, these reminders keep me grounded and motivated.

Celina Cortado

You mentioned getting guidance from your sister, as well as peers and professors. When you find yourself needing extra advice, who else do you turn to?

When it comes to supporting my own mental health, I find that simply having a listening ear is one of the best ways in which my family and friends provide for me in times when I need it the most. Of course, I appreciate any advice they give me, regardless of the time or situation. However, the ability to just talk about my thoughts and anxieties–especially before any big exams–truly helps relieve my worries. 

What was it about the VCU School of Nursing that made you choose this program?

When in high school, I attended an academy based on global studies and world languages. During my time there, I was given an assignment to research a university that had a study abroad program available for a major I was interested in pursuing. At the time I was a mere freshman, so nursing was on my radar, but I had no clue which school I wanted to attend. After researching a few schools in Virginia, I came across an article regarding VCU School of Nursing’s summer study-abroad program in Spain and decided to do my project on it. Fast forward to my senior year, during the hustle and bustle of applying to different colleges and universities, VCU was always at the forefront of my thoughts. With even just that little piece of knowledge about the school’s nursing program, I decided to look more into it. From there, I learned so much about VCU as a whole, and what its nursing program had to offer. I took great interest in VCU’s ranking among the top 5% of undergraduate nursing programs in the U.S., which is amazing and ultimately motivated me in applying to the school.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

In the time spent outside of the classroom and the library, I love spending time with family and friends while also participating in VCU’s Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) Club. Though nursing school absolutely keeps me busy, requiring my time and dedication, I truly believe in the importance of taking breaks–ultimately avoiding burnout. To balance one’s life out, I have found that you must allow yourself to relax and have some fun, while also prioritizing your education–finding a happy medium as some may say.

What are some of your favorite activities to take part in with Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT) Club?

For FACT, I will be serving as our Secretary for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This position was only made possible as I had the opportunity to hold the previous position of Cultural Liaison during the 2023-2024 school year, a position which involves efforts of creating lesson plans, teaching Filipino history to students, and organizing community events such as Barrio Fiesta, a celebration of Filipino culture through fellowship, song, dance, and food. With such a wide variety of responsibilities and duties to hold within the organization, such time prepared me and reinforced my leadership and collaborative skills. Being so involved with the organization, I find some of my greatest joys through participating in Filipino traditional dance. In my first year at VCU, I was able to dance in three different cultural dances that were shared with students and the community through our various events and end-of-year showcase. In my second year, I was given the honor of choreographing three traditional dances, including the Bulaklakan, Singkil, and Tinikling. All in all, I enjoy being a part of such a unique and grounded organization like FACT. Not only has this club given me the chance to learn more about my culture, but I’ve been given the opportunity to teach others about it as well.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I have always said that after graduating, I plan to specialize in either pediatrics or the labor and delivery unit. However, after finishing my first clinical rotation on an acute care surgery floor, it was very interesting to work with adults! With this experience under my belt, my dream unit may be subject to change once I start rotating clinicals, but I do plan to move back to my hometown and work at one of our hospitals there.

What is the most challenging part of nursing school?

There are many challenges and obstacles that one comes face-to-face with while in nursing school, but I believe that one of my biggest challenges thus far has been learning how to study, and do so in a way that is effective for me. No matter how much advice you can be given by upperclassmen and even professors, everyone learns and absorbs material differently. I find that everyone learns in unique ways. Therefore, with being new to the program, I have tried many different methods of studying in order to see what works best for me in retaining information from class and for exams. 

I have learned that there are already so many people around you who believe in you–but, what becomes most important is that you believe in yourself.

Celina Cortado

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from nursing school so far?

The biggest lesson I have learned from nursing school thus far is that you are not alone. Being in such a rigorous program, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Some days I question if I am even good enough for the program. Still, it then becomes of utmost importance to remember your ‘Why.’ That ‘Why’ being the reason why you want to become a nurse, and the fact that you were accepted into the program in the first place. Together, these reminders keep me grounded and motivated. These thoughts, in conjunction with the amazing support that I receive from my family, friends, and even professors, I have learned that there are already so many people around you who believe in you–but, what becomes most important is that you believe in yourself.