Jonathan Gonzalez

ASN, Springfield Campus

“Flora Morgan, my advisor, was a great help to me in getting everything lined up,” he stated.

Each semester has been challenging, but Gonzalez believes the professors have been supportive and have helped guide him in the right direction.

Whether it’s been time management or finding better ways to study for exams, he feels his professors have given him the necessary feedback to help improve. “It helps when your professors are passionate about nursing and helping you achieve your goals.” children, but soon changed her mind. “I didn’t like having to take my work home with me.”

Her next job was working at Bank of America in their property preservation division. Regina enjoyed the experience but eventually left due to the cyclical nature of the real estate market. “Layoffs occur frequently in this sector and I wanted stability.”

When you think of a nurse, what comes to your mind? To Jonathan Gonzalez, it wasn’t a male nurse. However, a good friend of his who worked in health care reminded him that yes, men can become nurses. She told him he would be a great fit because he wa s compassionate and selfless.

Gonzalez was born and raised on Long Island, New York, to immigrant parents from San Salvador. His family eventually moved to Springfield, Missouri, after his freshman year in high school.

Moving to Springfield was quite a culture shock. Long Island has a very diverse population, and they relied heavily on mass transit. “The pace of living was different. I lived by a train station and I remember a more stimulating environment,” Gonzalez said. When he was 16, he obtained a a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant and soon was working in construction and warehousing.

“I built a strong work ethic from working in construction, restaurants, and warehouses. I’m not your traditional student that goes to college right after high school.”

After 11 years, Gonzalez realized that he wasn’t finding fulfillment at work, and wouldn’t until he furthered his education. His family never had much, so he had a soft spot for the less fortunate. “It’s easy for me to empathize with strangers,” he said, “I genuinely feel good helping people and that led me to pursue nursing.”

Gonzalez soon applied to Cox College because a friend of his graduated from the College and mentioned the opportunities and experience she gained while attending. He finished his prerequisites at a local community college, and then took the TEAS test.

Currently Gonzalez is in his last semester in the ASN program. He hopes to graduate in May and become the first in his family to graduate from College. His mom, brothers, and sisters are very excited for him. “They know how hard I’ve worked and understand I’ve had to overcome,” he said. Gonzalez already has a Graduate Nurse Residency (GNR) opportunity lined up at the NTICU at Cox South after graduation.

Ultimately, he hopes one day to apply and be accepted into a CRNA program. n

Regina Rogers BSN, Springfield Campus

After living in Dallas, Texas for 10 years she made the move to Springfield, Missouri, to attend Cox College. “I was ready for a change of pace,” Rogers said, “And I don't regret it.” She had applied to other colleges, but would have had to wait. Cox College fit all her parameters, without the wait. "Sure, I could have gone to school in Dallas, but in the end it would've cost more."

Recently she took a part-time position at the College as an administration assistant. “My time here so far has been great, “Rogers says with a smile, “Working at the front desk has allowed me to inform prospective students that they won’t find a more encouraging and supportive learning environment.”

Rogers is over halfway through her program at Cox College. She will graduate May of next year. Her plan after graduation is to work in an ICU as an RN. n