Navajo Student Overcomes Challenges of COVID-19 to Pursue Nursing Career
Neilana Begaye, a determined and inspiring student from the Navajo Nation, has turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into a stepping stone toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse.
Her journey, marked by resilience and a commitment to education, highlights the importance of perseverance and community support in achieving success.
Neilana Begaye’s high school years were anything but typical. As a first- and second-year student, she attended classes online due to the pandemic, a period she describes as both isolating and challenging. “I wasn’t really involved with school,” she recalls. “Teachers weren’t teaching; they were just there to make sure we were present. It was hard to stay motivated.”
It wasn’t until her junior year, when in-person learning resumed, that Neilana Begaye began to find her footing. Transferring to Many Farms High School, she embraced the reality of her academic journey. “I realized I was going to be a senior soon, and I needed to start thinking about college,” she said. She joined clubs, took on a rigorous course load, and participated in dual enrollment programs, earning college credits while still in high school.
The transition to in-person learning wasn’t easy. “Adapting from online to in-person was difficult,” she said. “I had to relearn how to learn.” Despite the challenges, Neilana excelled, taking courses like public health, English, and history, which prepared her for the next step in her academic journey.
Neilana credits her family, particularly her mother and siblings, for their unwavering support. “My mom, a single parent raising seven kids, always pushed me to succeed,” she said. “She wanted the best for us, and I want to make her proud.” Her siblings, many of whom attended Diné College, served as role models, guiding her through the college application process and helping her secure scholarships.
Diné College, a tribal college located on the Navajo Nation, became a pivotal part of Neilana’s journey. “Diné College was a great start for me,” she said. “The tuition was affordable, the classes were manageable, and it gave me a head start on my education.” She emphasized the college’s role in providing opportunities for Native American students, saying, “It’s a place where we can define ourselves and our future.”
Now a student at Northern Arizona University, Neilana is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, inspired by her mother and sister, both nurses. “I want to care for people, give back to my community, and address the shortage of healthcare workers on the Navajo Nation,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, Neilana shared how the pandemic shaped her aspirations. “Healthcare workers were on the frontlines, helping people and saving lives. That inspired me to be part of that change,” she said.
To young students facing their own challenges, Neilana offers this advice: “Take things one step at a time. Stay positive, and don’t give up. Education is the key to a better future.”
As she prepares to enter the nursing program, Neilana remains focused on her goal of returning to the Navajo Nation to serve her community. “I want to make a difference,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
