Background:
At Stevenson, the Health Center plays a crucial role in student life, serving as a refuge for those feeling under the weather or just in need of a quick snack. Each visit to the Health Center brings a warm welcome from Nurse Anita, who greets every student with a smile and offers medications, snacks, and soothing hot tea. Her kindness has made her a beloved figure among the students. Curious about the journey that brought her here, I decided to delve into her backstory.
Nurse Anita’s story is a compelling testament to the spirit of perseverance and the search for a better life. Originally from a small rural area in Fiji Island, Anita grew up in a farming community where children often walked barefoot to school, carrying their shoes to avoid the mud from frequent rains. This simple beginning was a stark contrast to the bustling, crowded streets of the Bay Area in California, where she and her husband first moved after receiving their Green Cards.
The transition was not easy. Anita faced a severe culture shock, struggling with new driving conditions, different weather, and the cost of living in the U.S. Rent was exorbitantly higher than back home, and medical expenses, including insurance and dental care, were unexpectedly burdensome as healthcare was free in Fiji.
Despite these challenges, Anita’s journey in the U.S. was supported by Ms. Sanborn, the health center director and head school nurse at Stevenson, who recognized her potential and dedication. Ms. Sanborn provided invaluable support, adjusting Anita’s work schedule to accommodate her studies and even ensuring she had days off for critical exams.
Anita's career began in an unexpected place—a fast food restaurant. Being a vegetarian, the environment was difficult for her due to the strong smell of meat. However, her resilience shone through when she transitioned to a managerial role, which aligned more with her leadership skills and less with the kitchen’s grills.
Her true passion lay in healthcare. After obtaining a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification while juggling fast food shifts, Anita didn’t stop there. She pursued further education at Monterey Peninsula College and Hartnell College, where she obtained her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) certification and continued toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Her educational journey was intertwined with personal milestones, including her marriage in Fiji and the birth of her son, who was in first grade when she received her LVN certification. Throughout, Anita remained committed to her studies, often sacrificing sleep and personal time to attend night classes and complete her assignments.
Anita’s story reached a hopeful chapter when she was hired at Carmel Valley Manor, thanks to a suggestion from her husband. There, she met a colleague from Korea, a Registered Nurse with limited English proficiency, who inspired her to aim higher despite language barriers and cultural differences.
Today, Anita is not only advancing her nursing career but also deeply values the opportunity to impact lives at Stevenson High School. She is nearing the completion of her RN program and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her dedication to her profession and her students is palpable, and her journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in their community.
The importance of community support, resilience, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams despite obstacles truly shone through in her story.
Nurse Anita’s narrative is more than just an immigrant story; it is a resonant example of how determination, supported by community and family, can overcome the daunting challenges of relocation and cultural adjustment. It is a story of not just adapting but thriving, a source of inspiration for anyone facing their own set of challenges.
Nurse Anita advises people trying to adapt to a new environment: “If you feel stuck in one place, speak out. Don’t keep it to yourself, but share it with your friends whom you trust.”