Monserrat Pineda-Lagunas, BSN, RN

 

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where I am currently employed as a pediatric surgical nurse and reside with my two English Bulldogs. 

I am, what I often call, a product of immigration. I am a first-generation American, raised by two Mexican parents who took a chance, twenty-eight years ago, with the hope of providing their children with better opportunities. 

At a young age, I was taught that being fortunate enough to speak both Spanish and English meant I had the opportunity to help others. I have grown up to become a translator for my parents, friends and strangers when needed. These encounters have allowed me to witness the barriers created by language especially in the health care system. One cannot provide nor receive adequate care if one cannot understand nor communicate something as simple as patient history. These encounters along with my participation in a medical explorations course in High School, lead me to the realization that nursing is my way of making a difference in the world while still helping others. 

I completed my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and minor in Spanish at Regis University in Denver. In 2020, I was fortunate enough to be a part of the very first Regis Guatemala Interfaith Medical Service Project. As the youngest and least experienced student to attend Guatemala that year, words can not capture the impact this opportunity provided me in both an educational and moral sense. The project not only helped me solidify my current believes and goals as a nurse, but turned them from a dream to a “when there’s a will there’s a way”. 

In August of 2022, the Guatemala Medical Trip once more changed my life by offering me a spot on the trip as co-coordinator. It is a blessing to be apart of such an amazing team that is helping me reach my goal of serving as a voice for those who cannot speak up, who are not being heard, as well as share my knowledge with those who lacked the same opportunities. 

In college, I came to accept that my actions are not only for myself but for those who were not as fortunate. This is why I take part in such an amazing project, because if it weren’t for my parents leaving their entire lives 28 years ago, my story would be quite different.