Grounded in Community, We Radiate Resilience | The Story of Braulio Alcala ’23

Braulio Alcala’s ’23 journey to Valpo was nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in California, Braulio balanced his role as an advocate for his family, whose primary language was Spanish, while overcoming personal and academic obstacles. His determination to become a nurse grew from these early experiences. “I’ve always liked being an advocate,” Braulio shared. “In nursing, you’re a big advocate for your patient, and I had that instinct early on.” 

Although clear about his calling, Braulio’s path to Valpo’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program wasn’t easy. After years of working in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and an emergency medical technician (EMT) while taking prerequisite courses at a community college, he applied to nursing programs across California; however, acceptance into those competitive programs proved elusive. “I applied up and down the state… I always told myself, whatever school picks me up, I want to be so grateful,” Braulio recalled. Eventually, Valpo called, and soon after Braulio picked up the phone, he packed up his life and drove over 2,000 miles to Indiana in search of new opportunities — without ever having visited campus!

“I felt like I needed more resources, more of a sense of community, and Valpo offered that,” he reflected.

Thankfully but unsurprisingly, Valpo did not disappoint. It wasn’t long before Braulio found his community. Through the support of his resident assistants, classmates, and professors, he began to feel at home. The College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty became instrumental in his journey. “I met a lot of good people that helped me,” Braulio shared, noting the incredible bond he formed with professors like Bailey Rieger, MSN, RN, CNE, who accompanied him on the College’s annual service trip to Costa Rica, and Kelly Migler, DNP, RN, CNE, who made learning OB/GYN fun and interactive. “They were really supportive,” he recalled fondly, referring to both faculty and peers alike. “I stayed on campus because it was a big support system for me, mentally,” he said. “I would be studying by myself for hours, but it was nice to see someone and hear, ‘Hey, don’t forget to take a break.’” These small moments of connection helped him through difficult days. 

Braulio also immersed himself in Valpo’s vibrant community, attending events hosted by the student organization LatinX in Valparaiso for Excellence (L.I.V.E.), which celebrated Hispanic culture through food and community gatherings. Although his time at Valpo was brief due to the accelerated nature of the nursing program, he found deep connection. “I found family at Valpo, even though my family was far away,” he shared. He noted that the University’s reputation extended beyond campus. “When I did my clinicals, I’d say I was from Valpo, and people would trust me right away. Valpo has a great reputation in the community, and I felt proud to represent it.”

His mental health journey was also a crucial part of his story. The academic rigor of the accelerated program, paired with the stress of being far from home, weighed heavily on him. “I felt like I was fighting for my life with every exam,” Braulio admitted. He credits Valpo’s free counseling services with helping him manage the pressure. “The therapy services definitely helped,” he said. “I went once a week, and it was a big part of what got me through,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of such resources, especially for students who might be far from home or struggling with cultural adjustment.

Despite initial fears and challenges, Braulio flourished at Valpo, a testament to his resilience and the power of Valpo’s community. As he reflects on his journey, Braulio remains grateful for the experiences that shaped him. “I tell everyone about Valpo,” he said with a smile, “I had a really good experience.”

If you are inspired by Braulio’s journey and are ready to embark on your own, explore all Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has to offer. Like Braulio, you won’t be disappointed.