Resilience, Compassion and Determination Fuel Nursing Grad Lupe Santiago’s Dream

Western Nevada College News

Guadalupe "Lupe" De Santiago once feared her dream of becoming a nurse had ended after failing out of Western Nevada College's Nursing program.

Instead of walking away, she came back stronger.

This week, Lupe will graduate as a leader of WNC's Nursing Class of 2026.

"I was devastated, but most importantly, ashamed that I failed those around me," she said. "Looking back, I truly believe it was a blessing in disguise. It gave me the chance to grow and also lead my Fallon classmates throughout our journey. I never wanted anyone else to feel the way I did, so I always tried to support and encourage my classmates however I could."

The nursing experience also brought back memories of her childhood when she imagined she was indestructible and inevitably became injured.

"As a child, I was constantly injuring myself because I genuinely believed I was a superhero and invincible, until I ended up with a broken arm or leg," Lupe said. "The nurses always made those moments feel less scary and overwhelming. I still remember how kind they were and how something as simple as giving me a sticker or stuffed animal made me feel safe and brave. Those experiences inspired me to become the nurse who brings compassion, comfort, and support to patients in difficult moments."

What really boosted Lupe's confidence for her second go-around were nursing instructor Lisa Dunkelberg telling her that students always come back stronger in their second attempt to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree program and her classmates electing her as the Fallon Chair.

"Being elected as the Fallon Chair by my classmates meant a lot to me," she said. "What my Fallon classmates probably did not know is that after failing out the first time, I carried the fear of failing again with me every semester. There were many moments where I quietly doubted myself, but my classmates continued to believe in me, rely on me, and encourage me. That motivated me more than they probably realize."

With the Fallon Nursing cohort separated from the main campus in Carson City, Lupe and other Fallon students took classes via Zoom and carpooled to clinicals at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno and labs on the Carson City campus.

"Since I worked on campus, instructors would often communicate with me to make sure our Fallon cohort had the necessary handouts and materials before class," Lupe said, "Thankfully, we would carpool together, which helped tremendously and made it more manageable. However, I do appreciate how supportive the Fallon campus and the community are toward nursing students. Scholarships such as the Banner Churchill Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship helped support local students throughout the program and showed how much the community values and invests in future nurses."

Many of the challenges faced by Fallon nursing students are being addressed through the renovation and expansion of the Piñon Building, which is scheduled for completion later this year.

As Lupe looks back on what the program has provided her and the 57 students who were honored during a Pinning Ceremony on May 18, she cited the program's reach, the mentorship, the importance of community service and the preparation that goes into each student.

"Having both the Fallon campus in a rural area and the Carson City campus allows the program to reach and support a diverse group of students," she said. "Throughout the program, WNC not only prepared us academically and clinically, but also taught us the importance of serving and giving back to our communities. The instructors and clinical instructors challenged us to grow, think critically, and prepare us to care for patients in many different settings. I also appreciated that WNC offers many scholarships and support opportunities specifically for nursing students. Nursing school can be financially and academically demanding, so having those resources available helped support many students throughout the program. Programs like ROADS, which I am a part of, have been extremely helpful, and I am very grateful for all of their support. I am also thankful for scholarships such as the William N. Pennington scholarship, which helped make continuing my education possible."

Lupe's family has also been instrumental in her reaching this point.

"My parents played a huge role in helping me get here. They never pressured me into choosing a certain career, but they always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. I am really grateful for all of their support and encouragement," Lupe said. "My sister, Tania, also helped me more than she probably realizes. Whenever I stayed late studying at the Fallon campus, which was every day, she would bring me meals and coffee to help keep me going. To my family graduating means sacrifice, and proof that setbacks do not define who you are. It represents all the hard work, long nights, and support that helped me get to this moment."

Lupe's commitment to success and helping others haven't gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was honored with the Community Service Student Employee of the Year award for her commitment to the college and community, and she was nominated to receive the 2026 Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Scholarship.

"I cannot express enough gratitude to WNC for helping shape me into the person and future nurse I am today," Lupe said. "From being a student who doubted herself to now graduating from the nursing program. A part of my heart will always remain at WNC and I hope that one day I can give back to future students the same support, encouragement, and mentors who supported me throughout these years."

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe applauded Lupe's resilience that characterizes the students in the program.

"Lupe's journey reflects the resilience, compassion and determination that define so many of our nursing graduates," President Dalpe said. "Her willingness to persevere through adversity, support her classmates and continue pursuing excellence speaks volumes about her character. We are incredibly proud of Lupe and the entire Nursing Class of 2026 as they prepare to serve their communities with skill and compassion."

As for the future, Lupe will need to depend on someone else's care as she prepares for knee surgery following graduation. After recovery, she'll look for employment as a nurse and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Immediate plans, though, are to enjoy the ceremonies that she'll participate in this week. The Nursing Pinning ceremony on Monday and an emotional one that will take place in Fallon on Wednesday.

"The Fallon commencement ceremony will feel very special to me because I get to celebrate this accomplishment in the same place where my journey at WNC first started," she said.

After years of doubt, setbacks and determination, Lupe will return to Fallon not as a student questioning whether she belonged in nursing, but as a graduate ready to care for others with the same compassion that once inspired her as a child.

Western Nevada College's Fallon campus 2024-26 nursing cohort is graduating on Wednesday, May 20.