Yesenia Gonzalez

Class Year

’26

Hometown

Zion, Illinois

Major(s)

Nursing

Minor(s)

Spanish

It was important to Yesenia Gonzalez ’26, a first-generation student, to attend a college where she could connect with professors and get support when needed. Carthage’s small class sizes allowed her to get that guidance from faculty and excel in the classroom. “The biggest surprise at Carthage is seeing how close I have bonded with my instructors. I love it,” she says. “I can express myself in lectures, share my academic worries, and reach out without fear. I never thought it would be the way it is. I look forward to my lectures and to seeing my peers!”

A nursing major with a minor in Spanish, Yesenia is enjoying learning about human anatomy and gaining hands-on experiences through clinical rotations. She is truly looking forward to becoming a nurse. “The job itself is so rewarding. Being that person during a patient’s most vulnerable time and being the helpful hand makes you not only a better person, but it warms your heart.”

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Why Carthage?

“As a first-generation student, applying to colleges was hard for me. I struggled a lot and was still determining where to go. I chose to pursue my education at Carthage because the environment allows me to connect personally with professors, and the small class sizes make it easy to seek guidance and assistance whenever needed. The campus is also close to home. As a commuter, I enjoy the opportunity to see my family while in school.”

Favorite class

“My favorite course so far has been Human Anatomy and Physiology. Although this is a course I struggled with the most, it has laid the foundation for my other nursing classes. The knowledge never goes away, and understanding how the body works is a privilege. The lab portion was also something I enjoyed because we could dissect and have a heart in our hands during the lab. All the while, it correlated with the cardiac lecture in class.”

Toughest class

“My toughest course so far has been Principles of Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice. In this course, there are so many classes and groups of medications. Knowing the differences was the key. Taking the time to learn what study methods work for you and learning the medications is something I recommend for those taking this course!”

Golden opportunities

“The clinical opportunities provided by Carthage have been amazing! Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to observe a partial meniscectomy surgery in the operating room during my med-surg clinical rotation.”

Career goal

“I want to become a nurse because I have a huge passion for anatomy. I grew up in a barn surrounded by animals. Caring for these animals alongside my dad sparked my passion. Going through a CNA course opportunity in high school verified that I enjoyed the field. My end goal is to not only raise the percentage of Hispanic nurses in the field, but to put my passion to use and be a lifelong learner.”

Favorite spot on campus

“As a commuter, my favorite spot on campus is the Hedberg Library. I spend so many hours a week in the library studying, but I genuinely enjoy it. Seeing other students around me studying makes me feel more engaged in a way, and having the resources I need in the area is great.”

Favorite memory

“At Carthage, I have had many favorite memories. During my mental health clinical rotation, I did not expect myself to enjoy it as much as I did. The day I went to surgery for my med-surg rotation will be forever engraved in my mind. I remember everything so vividly and am so grateful for the opportunity. Other moments I enjoy are the simple ones, like relating to my cohort as we stress over the same assignments/exams.”

Best study tip

“Learn to balance your work, and try to organize it in a planner; it helps! I also recommend trying different study methods. The way I studied human anatomy is not how I study mental health now. For example, some of my study methods include handwriting notes and rewriting them! Likewise, having my own little whiteboard in my bookbag and flashcards are great. Even YouTube videos and peer tutoring is good when needed.”

Best tip for making friends

“As a commuter student, putting yourself out there can be intimidating, but you must! Making bonds and introducing yourself in class is essential, even if it is just to the person next to you. I recommend attending Carthage activities and club meetings on campus as well. These have been fantastic opportunities for me so far.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“Looking back to my 8-year-old self, I feel she’d look up to me and be proud of me. Even at a young age, I remember high school students coming into my elementary school classroom to talk about their education, and I always looked up to them. I am now one of those students I used to look up to, and I want to be a role model for my younger sisters and other young students.”