Building a Career in Healthcare One Milestone at a Time

Centennial Note: This story was submitted through San Antonio College's Share Your Story initiative as part of the college's Centennial celebration. As SAC commemorates 100 years of service and impact, these firsthand stories from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members help preserve the experiences, milestones, and memories that have shaped the college's legacy – and will inspire its next century.

For San Antonio College alumna Joanna Marie Rarama, the path to becoming a registered nurse was anything but easy. It was a journey defined by determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to her goals.

While pursuing her associate degree in nursing, Rarama balanced the demands of nursing school with a full-time job. The long days often stretched into sleepless nights spent studying, preparing for exams, and navigating the challenges of clinical rotations. Through it all, she remained focused on her dream of building a better future for herself and her family.

Raised in a Filipino household, Rarama credits her success to the values instilled in her from an early age – hard work, compassion, and perseverance.

“Those values carried me through some of the most difficult moments,” she said. “There were times when I felt exhausted and doubted myself, but I never lost sight of why I started.”

Her dedication paid off when she completed her associate degree in nursing in May 2025. Just two months later, she passed the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s National Council Licensure Examination on her first attempt, earning her licensure as a registered nurse. In August 2025, Rarama began her registered nurse residency at Methodist Hospital, working in the cardiac progressive care unit.

Now, as she continues caring for patients and growing in her profession, Rarama is also working toward her bachelor of science in nursing, which she expects to complete in December 2026.

She says the support of classmates, mentors, family members, and scholarship opportunities made a significant difference throughout her educational journey.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Alamo Colleges and the Alamo Scholarship Foundation for supporting me throughout this journey and helping make my dreams possible,” Rarama said.
Today, she finds purpose in caring for others and is proud of how far she has come. Her story serves as a reminder that success is often built through persistence, even when the path is difficult.

“To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid,” Rarama said. “If you are on your path, you are never denied – you are only redirected.”

As she continues advancing her education and nursing career, Rarama hopes her experience will inspire future students to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges, and never lose sight of their goals. Her journey demonstrates how dedication, resilience, and a strong support system can help turn aspirations into reality.

— SAC —