Aspiring nurse pursues dream in Weber State’s nursing program
OGDEN, Utah — At 19 years old, Jasmine Lagunas knew moving away from her hometown in Logan, Utah, to attend Weber State University was a big sacrifice for her family, but following her dream is inspiring others to do the same.
Lagunas fell in love with serving those around her when she was a certified nursing assistant in high school. To fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse, “Weber State was where I had to go,” she said.
As a student in the Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing, she says the professors and well-crafted curriculum are preparing her to continue her passion for serving in healthcare.
“Everybody was accrediting Weber for having such a high-excelling nursing program, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Lagunas said. 
However, her educational journey didn’t come without challenges along the way.
In 2022, Lagunas questioned whether she could finish school because of her financial situation. “I had no idea how I would continue to pay for my education and had even considered taking a semester off,” she said.
Knowing she did not want to quit, Lagunas contacted advisors and mentors to inquire about scholarships and was eventually awarded WSU’s ’CATapult scholarship to finish her final semesters.
The ’CATapult scholarship provides a final boost for students nearing graduation but who lack the means to continue their education.
“Hearing that I had been awarded the scholarship was so relieving,” Lagunas said. “It really incentivized me and motivated me to keep going.”
Lagunas said she always envisioned herself in healthcare, and what once seemed a “far-fetched dream” is becoming a reality. Now, she wants to show her family and others they can achieve their dreams, too.
“My parents migrated to the U.S. to give my brother and me all these opportunities,” she said. “They always told me to set the bar really high and never to be discouraged.”
In her final semesters, Lagunas said her parents’ advice has allowed her to show her younger sister that hard work pays off and “sacrifices make us stronger.”
“I know I can achieve my dreams and show that while challenging times may arise, achieving dreams is never impossible,” Lagunas said.
Lagunas recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination, an exam taken after completing a nursing program and required to obtain a license to practice. She is now furthering her education and is enrolled in the baccalaureate program at WSU.
Addison Rodriguez, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948, addisonrodriguez@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu