What We Do Success Stories
Bianca Soto, currently a registered Respiratory Technician at UMC, embarked on a college journey that unfolded with determination and resilience. Fresh out of high school, she ventured to UT Austin, but life’s currents guided her back to El Paso. There, she cared for her ailing grandmother, taking a semester off before resuming her studies at UTEP. Tragically, her grandmother passed away, yet Bianca’s resolve remained unshaken.
Texas Tech welcomed her into its nursing program, but life had more surprises in store. Pregnancy complicated her path, leading to a semester’s interruption. Undeterred, she returned, only to face a heartbreaking revelation: her HESI exam scores jeopardized her graduation. Retakes were not an option, leaving her devastated.
With a newborn in her arms, Bianca sought solutions. EPCC’s programs beckoned, and she set her sights on the respiratory care tech track. Despite financial challenges, she pressed forward. Project ARRIBA emerged as a beacon—a lifeline for someone ineligible for traditional financial aid. Bianca embarked on her journey, fueled by determination.
Fall 2022 witnessed her triumphant graduation from the Respiratory Care Tech program. Armed with her license, she wasted no time—UMC became her workplace, offering a starting pay of $24/hour. Bianca’s heart swelled with gratitude; she had made the right choice.
Her message echoes: “Don’t let circumstances hold you back.”
After all of her set backs and bumps in her road, Bianca finished strong. I had the pleasure of case managing Bianca through her journey. She worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to be able to finish her degree. I am very pleased and happy for both her and her son whom she is able to provide for.
- Estela Flores“Don’t let your circumstances hold you back. No matter how many set backs and falls might come your way, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It is never too late and start over. The sacrifice is all worth it at the end”