William Gallegos 

2015-2016 Vice President
West Coast University
Graduation: August 2016

I grew up in South Gate, California in a predominately Hispanic community near South Central Los Angeles. Growing up I knew I had an aptitude for science. At a young age I dreamed of either becoming a doctor or using science to become a superhero. My parents entertained my passion and supported me as I learned English. I primarily spoke Spanish growing up and was placed in English Second Language courses. With my  parents unconditional support, I graduated South Gate High School and enrolled in    Cerritos Community College and eventually transferred to San Francisco State          University. Despite having graduated with a BS in physiology from SFSU, I failed to gain acceptance into medical school. I then became a mechanic, a jewelry appraiser, and an airline employee.

It took seven  years before I returned to school. Nursing did not strike me as an option. At the time, I did not understand the profession of nursing. It wasn't until both my parents had heart attacks and strokes that I realized the importance of nursing. This was my second chance at making a difference in people’s lives. I realized that superheroes don’t wear black or red capes they wear odd colored scrubs. Eventually I found a nursing program that took a chance on me. They believed in the spirit of a person rather than what was on paper. West Coast University (WCU) gave me the chance I needed to prove to myself and others that I was capable of making a difference in this world.

Since having gained acceptance into WCU, I have established great relationships and have become a leader on my campus. I have made the Dean’s List on several occasions and have most recently finished a Summer Honors Internship Program at Oxford           University. I am an active member of my local CNSA chapter and the Los Angeles Hispanic Nurse  Association, and a board member of the YMCA, City of Orange. I am passionate about policy making and I intend to continue my pursuit in a higher education. I wish to establish my private practice as an FNP or DNP and plan on pursuing my passion of policy making and public health into the   political arena where I will advocate for patient rights and under served and at-risk populations. It is an honor to be your Vice President.  

Goals

• My devotion to this position will be centered on supporting the newly elected board and increasing awareness of CNSA and its relentless mission of facilitating a healthy transition into professional leadership roles. I wish to increase awareness of the many leadership roles and opportunities that CNSA has to offer at the State level..

• As the Nominations and Elections Chair I intend to continue building on my predecessor’s project of  streamlining the process to becoming a pre-slated State Board candidate.

• I will make it a personal challenge to review all the bylaws of every chapter that encompasses CNSA. I will take precautions to assure that our organization is upholding its bylaws and is staying true to its mission.