A visit to Hospital Rock reveals not only nursing students trying to make it through a rigorous program but a woman who has spent decades caring for others. Her children, her parents, and now her future patients, Sonya Martinez’s journey is a testament to determination, perseverance, and chasing a dream, no matter how late in life.
Martinez’s journey to get into the College of the Sequoias Registered Nursing program is a rather unconventional story. After graduating in the early 1990s from Mt. Whitney High School, she went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Registered Nursing at COS. However she decided to put her ambitions aside to serve the Lord and work in ministry for over 15 years. During this time Martinez started a family with four kids, and had to balance motherhood, responsibilities, and her parents who needed care. Martinez found her way back to school in 2019, however nothing could have prepared her for what the world would throw her way, COVID-19.
“COVID changed everything,” recalled Martinez. “I’d just gone back to school after a 25-year hiatus and suddenly everything shut down. School was online, my children were home, and I still had to take care of my parents. It was beyond overwhelming.”
Amidst the chaos that came her way, Martinez took baby steps toward her goals. Focusing solely on the prerequisites, Martinez would go on to ace every one of her science and biology classes. “I knew if I wanted to get into a very competitive nursing program, I had to get straight A’s, and although it was very challenging, taking it slow was the key to success.”
She also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a retirement home through College of the Sequoias. According to Martinez, she considers that to be an essential stage stating, “Working with older adults taught me so much patience and empathy. It was a great experience that sealed my decision to go for nursing.”
Martinez’s journey was a deeply personal one, inspired by her mother.”My mom was my greatest inspiration. Just like I did, after having kids she also went back to school at COS. I want to set an example for my kids and show them it’s never too late to chase after your dream.”
Martinez recalls a surreal moment during her CNA training. While in line for her exam in Hospital Rock, she spotted a photo on the wall from 1987, which featured her mother.”It was as if she was looking over my shoulder, cheering me on. It was truly an eye-opener as to why I am doing this.”
Now just beginning her nursing program, Martinez is balancing school with being a mom and caregiver.”Take it slow. I did one class at a time. That was the only way I could do it all.”
