Prescott, Arizona (Dec. 2, 2025) – Upon graduating from Bradshaw Mountain High School in 2013, Prescott Valley resident Grecia Valenzuela obtained a Phlebotomy Technician certification through Yavapai College, and not long after secured her Medical Assistant certification.

She intended to continue her academic path at Yavapai College by entering the Nursing program, but life events put a pause on her plans.

“I had my first baby shortly after high school, then another, and life kept pulling me in different directions,” said Valenzuela. “I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I was intimidated and didn’t feel ready to take on the full program. Eventually, I found my way back and realized there was no reason I couldn’t do it. I made the decision to recommit to my education, and returning to Yavapai College has been one of the best choices I’ve made for myself and my family.”

Valenzuela said that her biggest challenge has been learning to show up for herself and her family. Pursuing the Nursing program at Yavapai College while simultaneously being a mother found her constantly balancing schedules, emotions, and responsibilities.

“There are days when the workload feels overwhelming or when mom-guilt creeps in and staying grounded through all of that has been hard,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve had to push past self-doubt, exhaustion, and the fear that maybe I wasn’t capable of doing something this big.”

These challenges, Valenzuela said, have also made her biggest success even more meaningful. Her biggest win, she said, was proving to herself that she can do big and difficult things.

“Committing to this dream, even after years of stops and starts, was absolutely worth it,” Valenzuela said. “Every exam passed, every clinical skill learned, every moment I realize I’m closer to becoming the nurse I once doubted I could be. Those are the victories that keep me going.”

It’s not just her own reserves of perseverance and determination that kept Valenzuela on track academically. She credits Yavapai College Nursing professors Bambi Pish-Derr and Amelia Robles for their support and availability to help outside of scheduled classes and labs. She said that they’ve pushed her to grow, supported her through challenges, and encouraged her when she doubted herself.

Associate Professor of Nursing Amelia Robles praised Valenzuela, saying “Grecia is one of those students who brings light into every room she walks into. She’s funny, animated, and consistently positive, but what stands out most is how intuitive she is with patient care. She picks up on what people need quickly and responds with compassion and confidence.”

“I’ve watched her work through significant test anxiety and challenges with drug calculations, and she’s met each hurdle with determination and steady progress,” Robles continued. “Grecia connects easily and sincerely with everyone around her and is often the first to offer encouragement to both her peers and the nurses at her clinical site. Grecia’s growth, work ethic, and natural instincts will serve her well in nursing.”

“Coming back to school after babies, after life got chaotic, after feeling intimidated, and then watching myself thrive, has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life,” Valezuela said. “It’s shown me that it’s never too late to start again, and that the version of me who once questioned herself is the same version who is now building a future she’s proud of.”

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.