Imelda Reyes, interim dean of the UNLV School of Nursing, will share her professional journey during the second installment of the Graduate College’s My Professional Origin Story speaker series at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, in the Barrick Museum of Art Auditorium. The event is open to the entire UNLV community and will also be livestreamed on YouTube.

Ahead of the event, Reyes provides a glimpse into her journey below. 

What are a few of the defining moments of your educational journey?

There was a time when I doubted pursuing my nursing degree. In my last semester of nursing school, I realized that direct patient care was not my priority. I had double majored in nursing and biology with the hopes of applying to medical school, but that career was also not the best choice.

So, I applied to the University of Michigan for my Master of Public Health in health management and policy. I was still interested in health, just from a different angle. 

I really enjoyed my courses; and, while in my last year, I decided to join the Navy as a health care administrator. After five years, I realized that I was ready to be a nurse and thought the nurse practitioner role would suit me best. After five years of working full-time as a nurse practitioner, I went back to school for my Doctor of Nursing Practice with the hopes of teaching.

Describe a time when a mentor made an impact on your life.

My first boss, who was a wonderful mentor, was the director of resources at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, the flagship for the Navy. I learned so much in terms of leadership from him. From being able to make a concise argument, prioritizing needs, making hard decisions, public speaking, strategic thinking to just being a good boss. 

What I appreciated was that he was forward-thinking and always thought to include his junior officers to make sure we got great experiences and exposure. Someone who looks out for you is what you need early in your career.

If you could give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say?

Don’t be afraid to hold your head high because you are worthy. I took chances over the years, and I would say that paving the way can be hard, but it is worth it for the changes that you can impact and for those who are following and looking up to you. Being the daughter of migrant workers, I was told to dream big, but I didn’t even know what the possibilities were.

I graduated from Vanderbilt University and was the first in my family to get an advanced degree. I love being a provider and went into healthcare because my grandmother always wanted a Spanish-speaking provider.

Can you share a few words about the photo that you selected to highlight your story?

This photo is special to me because I was 25 when I joined the Navy. I wanted to emulate my uncle, who had served in the Navy as an enlisted sailor, and I wanted to be the first officer in my family. I am a proud veteran.