Marisol Mora is a first-generation nursing student who said she found comfort at Midwestern State University through intimate class sizes and committed professors.
From Burkburnett, Mora was familiar with the area and chose to attend MSU Texas to remain close to her parents and sisters. She has known since a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in health care to make a difference in the lives of others, ultimately choosing nursing for the range of opportunities it provided.
That choice paid off. Mora earned President’s Honor Roll recognition each year and graduated summa cum laude as part of Midwestern State University’s Spring 2026 Commencement Saturday, May 16 at D.L. Coliseum.
Mora appreciated the intimate educational experience she received in the MSU Texas nursing program, which helped her develop inspiring relationships with her professors, and that motivated her to work hard in class and strive for her greatest goals.
She noted the inspiration and guidance she received from her pediatrics professor, Sandra Groth.
“It’s really nice having that class connection in nursing school because it can be really hard,” Mora said.
Mora noted there were many times throughout her educational experience when she felt the pressure and stress of class expectations.
At times it felt uncomfortable, she said, but she recognizes that enduring that struggle helped to prepare her for the field of nursing. During those times, when it’s hard for those outside the field to understand, Moran found an outlet by leaning on those friends and family who know her best.
After graduation, Mora plans to begin working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sector of United Regional Health Care System in June.
She said she was offered one of the only two NICU residency positions at the hospital. Before she begins that job, she plans to use her free time to relax and recharge with some travel and concerts, too.
She has a vision for her future. After a few years of nursing experience, she would like to elevate her role in the health care field by going back to school to become a nurse practitioner. Mora would either focus on pediatrics or women’s health.
She said women’s health and children’s health are what she’s most passionate about.
To conclude her career, Mora said she eventually wants to return to MSU Texas to teach in the nursing program, creating a full circle story of her relationship with the MSU campus.
“I want to pour back into the program that helped me to become a nurse,” Mora said.
And her focus throughout the process landed her many honors, including being a member of President’s Honor Roll six times, winning the Outstanding Senior Leadership Award in 2025 and Outstanding Sophomore Leadership Award in 2023, and making Provost Honor Roll once.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: First-generation MSU nursing graduate plans career with impact
Reporting by Reanna Gonzalez, MSU Texas / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
