From Combat Medic to Caring Nurse: Gilberto's Inspiring Journey Through College
Navigating the start of a college journey can be challenging for any student — but especially for former service members transitioning to civilian life, like Gilberto Miramontes, a former combat medic in the United States Air Force. “When I separated from the military, I felt like I wasn't in control of my career. I didn’t have many resources to help me choose a specific career path or determine where to go next.”Gilberto knew he wanted to continue working in the medical field, so he began researching highly rated nursing programs recommended by other veterans. He also needed a program that would accommodate his work schedule and his responsibilities as a father of his 9-year-old son, Santiago. His research led him to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Antonio College (SAC). “I was looking for the perfect college that would consider my prior experience. It became clear to me that the Alamo Colleges was where I needed to put my energy and pursue my education,” Gilberto said. As he began the enrollment process with the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Gilberto felt anxious but discovered a robust network of support systems ready to help him. “I’m not a traditional student. Starting college after nearly 20 years was very scary, but everyone was so welcoming. The Student Advocacy Center and the Victory Center (San Antonio College Veterans Affairs Office) provided me with all the necessary tools and support,” Gilberto said. While in the program, Gilberto discovered that SAC's BSN program offers students a comprehensive, hands-on education, essential leadership skills, and valuable medical experience in various settings. “We visited various sites across San Antonio, which helped me identify the specialty I wanted to pursue in my career. They offered great advice on how to build professional relationships with hospitals,” Gilberto said. As the program progressed, the demands of Gilberto's life started to weigh heavily on him. During his second semester, he struggled to balance academics, fatherhood, and a full-time job. However, he credits his professors for their proactive support; they made a point to check in on him and offered encouragement and understanding. “The faculty were always available and ready to help. If I had a question, I could reach out to them in multiple ways, and they would meet with me one-on-one to answer my questions or provide resources.”Gilberto maintained his focus and motivation, ultimately graduating from the program in Spring 2025. He passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and is now a registered nurse with University Health. “The Alamo Colleges really helped me believe in myself and my ability to complete my degree,” said Gilberto. “The support I received was crucial in helping me grow and develop into the nurse I am today.” Watch Gilberto's Story:
Navigating the start of a college journey can be challenging for any student — but especially for former service members transitioning to civilian life, like Gilberto Miramontes, a former combat medic in the United States Air Force.
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“When I separated from the military, I felt like I wasn't in control of my career. I didn’t have many resources to help me choose a specific career path or determine where to go next.” |
Gilberto knew he wanted to continue working in the medical field, so he began researching highly rated nursing programs recommended by other veterans. He also needed a program that would accommodate his work schedule and his responsibilities as a father of his 9-year-old son, Santiago.
His research led him to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at San Antonio College (SAC).
“I was looking for the perfect college that would consider my prior experience. It became clear to me that the Alamo Colleges was where I needed to put my energy and pursue my education,” Gilberto said.
As he began the enrollment process with the Alamo Colleges District (ACD), Gilberto felt anxious but discovered a robust network of support systems ready to help him.
“I’m not a traditional student. Starting college after nearly 20 years was very scary, but everyone was so welcoming. The Student Advocacy Center and the Victory Center (San Antonio College Veterans Affairs Office) provided me with all the necessary tools and support,” Gilberto said.
While in the program, Gilberto discovered that SAC's BSN program offers students a comprehensive, hands-on education, essential leadership skills, and valuable medical experience in various settings.
“We visited various sites across San Antonio, which helped me identify the specialty I wanted to pursue in my career. They offered great advice on how to build professional relationships with hospitals,” Gilberto said.
As the program progressed, the demands of Gilberto's life started to weigh heavily on him. During his second semester, he struggled to balance academics, fatherhood, and a full-time job. However, he credits his professors for their proactive support; they made a point to check in on him and offered encouragement and understanding.
“The faculty were always available and ready to help. If I had a question, I could reach out to them in multiple ways, and they would meet with me one-on-one to answer my questions or provide resources.” |
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Gilberto maintained his focus and motivation, ultimately graduating from the program in Spring 2025. He passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and is now a registered nurse with University Health.
“The Alamo Colleges really helped me believe in myself and my ability to complete my degree,” said Gilberto. “The support I received was crucial in helping me grow and develop into the nurse I am today.”
Watch Gilberto's Story:
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- Balancing Family and Education: Alma's Inspiring Path at Palo Alto CollegeAlma Navarro, originally from Venezuela, knew she needed better career opportunities to provide a brighter future for herself and her 10-year-old son. However, she was concerned about balancing her busy life with her academic pursuits. Palo Alto College (PAC) offered a convenient location that allowed Alma to remain an active parent while studying in the Dental Hygiene Program. “At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming because I didn't know how I was going to manage my time and schedule with my son, but I found that it was a perfect fit for me.” The Dental Hygiene Program’s faculty and staff fostered a supportive network, making Alma's sometimes challenging coursework more manageable. “I could feel that they care about our learning and success. They were always there to support us, whether it was with a kind word,sitting with us to study or review challenging material,” said Alma. During Alma's time in the program, Mel Treviño, a Palo Alto Dental Hygiene Instructor, witnessed the program's positive impact on Alma. “Alma grew immensely during the two years we were together. I saw her confidence increase, particularly in patient care. It has been wonderful to see her accomplish her dreams and how much she has grown since she first started the program,” said Trevino. In addition to the support Alma received in the classroom, she was also connected with resources that helped her overcome challenges, allowing her to focus on her family and academics. “The Alamo Colleges District has been incredibly helpful. They provide students with various resources, from the S.H.A.R.E. Center to financial aid. They are always willing to assist, whether I was asking for help or not,” said Alma. Having experienced the powerful impact of Alamo Colleges' quality education, affordability, and personalized support, Alma feels grateful for her journey. “Alamo Colleges is the best place for a student because they help you improve your career, enhance your life, and simultaneously support your family.”Alma is now a dental hygienist at a local dental office, but her journey at ACD is not over yet. She plans to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program later this year. Watch Alma's Story
- Northeast Lakeview College Earns Silver Level Caring Campus CertificationAt the Silver-Certified Caring Campus level the organization has put in place institutionalization of caring campus commitments and sustainability processes. The award recognizes NLC for implementing outstanding Caring Campus measures and the institution’s faculty and/or staff and leadership demonstrate active adoption and participation in Caring Campus initiatives. “We are honored to receive this recognition,” says Dr. Veronica Garcia, NLC President. “I want to recognize our faculty and staff for their dedication to creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment for our students where they feel a sense of belonging, ultimately leading to increased student success.” The Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) developed Caring Campus as an intentional way to augment our shared mission of improving and increasing student success. Caring Campus accomplishes this by creating a campus culture in which everyone—students, staff, faculty, and leadership—feels cared for and connected. The Caring Campus Certification program exists for several reasons. First and foremost, it is intended to keep Caring Campus front and center at the institutional level as a way to support the program’s institutionalization and sustainability. Second, the certification categories and criteria are meant to inspire all Caring Campuses by suggesting avenues for increasing the scope of their Caring Campus implementations. Finally, the certification process can help a college or university understand how Caring Campus is currently integrated into the life of their campus community.
- College Promise and Alamo Colleges District Host National Convening to Advance Student Father Success in Higher EducationCollege Promise and the Alamo Colleges District proudly hosted a national convening focused on advancing data-driven support and best practices for student fathers. Held on May 29, 2025, at the Alamo Colleges District’s ACCESS Building, the event brought together higher education leaders, policy experts, and practitioners nationwide to address student fathers’ unique challenges in accessing, achieving, and advancing through postsecondary education. The convening opened with remarks from Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, and Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. Both emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of parenting students, an often-overlooked population in higher education. “At the Alamo Colleges District, we believe in meeting students where they are and designing pathways that reflect the realities of their lives. Student fathers are a vital part of our college communities, and too often, their experiences go unseen in higher education policy and practice. This convening represents a critical opportunity to share data, elevate voices, and create actionable solutions to ensure student fathers and all parents can thrive in college, career, and life.” In response to declining college enrollment rates among males nationwide, College Promise has identified male students, specifically fathers, as a critical subgroup of interest. This project is designed to (1) conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of national and regional data, (2) share best practices to enhance student-father outcomes, and (3) increase the impact of existing supports through targeted technical assistance, outreach, and awareness campaigns. The initiative focuses on six states that collect student parent data: Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. This initiative, announced earlier this year, aims to expand targeted interventions and wraparound services across key states, with a long-term goal of implementing these findings across College Promise programs nationwide. Through targeted discussions and workshops, the event will highlight effective wraparound services, financial aid innovations, and institutional policies that can be scaled across key states and, ultimately, replicated nationwide. Through efforts like AlamoPROMISE, the Alamo Colleges have eliminated cost as a barrier to higher education for thousands of students. Since its launch in 2019, AlamoPROMISE has enabled more than 23,000 students – many of them student parents and first-generation college-goers to enroll and persist in college. “When we support student fathers to achieve their potential, we uplift entire families and communities. That’s why College Promise is working nationwide to connect student fathers with career opportunities through education and training,” said Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. “Higher education remains one of the most effective strategies for achieving long-term economic prosperity. The Alamo Colleges District stands out as a model for how institutions can drive economic mobility by offering student-centered support, financial resources, and career-connected programs.” Throughout the day, attendees engaged in data sessions, peer learning discussions, and workshops highlighting institutional policies and programs that can be scaled nationwide. From on-campus childcare and flexible scheduling to financial aid innovation and faculty engagement, presenters underscored the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change for student fathers. Taking place during College Promise’s 10th-anniversary year, this convening is part of a broader celebration of the National Promise movement’s growth and evolution, underscoring the importance of equitable access and support for all students.
- A Student Athlete’s Journey to a Stronger FutureNathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.
- A Student Athlete’s Journey to a Stronger FutureNathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.
- Congrats Class of 2025![hide]
