(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 13, 2024) — Five graduates from Silva Health Magnet High School are making history by becoming some of the youngest registered nurses in the region. Through an innovative pipeline program connecting the El Paso Independent School District, Texas Tech University Health El Paso, the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College, these exceptional students earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at just 19 and 20 years old.
Among the graduates are four students from the Hunt School of Nursing: Kristian Campa, Naomi Heier, Navely Sosa, and Maria Zapata, and one from the University of Texas at El Paso: Eddy Rodriguez-Velazquez. These individuals embarked on their nursing journeys in 2023 after graduating from Silva Magnet High School with associate degrees.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” said Maria Zapata, who graduated from Silva Magnet Health in 2023. “It’s incredible to be finishing the program at 19. I’m grateful for the opportunity provided to me. I wanted to finish as fast as possible and start my career.”
The program not only prepares students academically but also provides vital clinical experience and leadership training. “This accelerated BSN program, the only one of its kind in the region, allows students to complete their degrees in just 16 months,” Texas Tech Health El Paso said.
Eddy Rodriguez-Velazquez, who completed the UTEP program, shared the inspiration behind his career choice. “The main reason why I joined was because of my own personal health experiences and the health experiences of my family,” he said. “Seeing how well the nurses would take care of my family and myself inspired me to step into this field.”
Rodriguez-Velazquez has already accepted a position at Del Sol Medical Center. “It feels really good. I feel very accomplished because I’ve been doing this for almost six years of my life, and now that I’ve reached this point, I feel very accomplished,” he said.
The success of these graduates underscores the transformative role of Silva Magnet High School’s medical-focused curriculum. “For the entire four years, you’re exposed to everything medical, everything nursing-related, and everything in the health field, so this program at Silva helped us out a lot,” Rodriguez-Velazquez said.
William Vega, Silva Health Magnet Coordinator, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments. “I feel like I’m just here to support the kids and all of that. It makes me feel good to see these students succeed and contribute to our community in a positive way.”
The Hunt School of Nursing highlighted the importance of this pipeline program in addressing the national nursing shortage, particularly in the Borderplex region. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration and equips students with leadership skills necessary for success in hospitals and clinics.
These young graduates represent the dedication, innovation, and community collaboration that define Silva Magnet High School, El Paso ISD, and its wonderful partners. Their achievements pave the way for future generations to dream big and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare field.
Rodriguez-Velazquez hopes their journey inspires other students. “What I want others to take away from our stories is that you can accomplish anything you want no matter what,” he said. “Good things will happen when they’re ready to happen. Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go your way as fast as you’d like it to.”