For our resident, Greer Garcia, caretaking just comes naturally. After years of hard work, she received her Registered Nursing degree from Frederick Community College. Her story demonstrates great determination, resilience and fortitude. We are so proud to watch her achieve her dreams. She wants to share her story so that she can motivate and inspire other women who may be facing similar challenges.

Ms. Garcia was tired of working the same, unfulfilling jobs. She began seeking alternatives and asking for guidance. An amazing woman who worked tirelessly to inspire our community, Linda Helms, presented an opportunity to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. With some apprehension, Ms. Garcia attended the free course at the Asian American Center of Frederick. After working in the field and landing at a private home care company, Edenton, she began to feel like she had found a profession she could grow with. She cared for the elderly and over time, patients became like family. One woman insisted that if Greer did not pursue nursing that she was ‘wasting her talent.’ With this comment in mind, she came to Family Services to help her take the next steps on her academic journey.

Throughout her time at FCC she faced many challenges including losing her sister.  Ms. Garcia noticed little changes in her sister and pressed her to go to a doctor, insisting something was wrong. It was later discovered that her sister had been suffering from ministrokes over time. Though tragic, this loss motivates her to continue moving forward. Her intuitive observations of her sister’s health only fanned the flames of her professional healthcare goals.

In spring of 2016, Ms. Garcia had graduated with her associates and celebrated her son’s high school graduation as well! Soon she was enrolled in Nursing school at FCC and her son had joined the Air Force. She was working at Frederick Health and going to school full time. She accredits Ann Ryan, Director of Family Servies, for keeping her on track and helping her stay afloat when things seemed impossible. Towards the end of Nursing School, Ms. Garcia realized she would have to stay an extra semester to finish one more class. She admits to being worn out and ready to throw in the towel. Then she thought of all the hard work she had put in, her reasons for pursing this career and the future she had been creating for herself. Ms. Garcia dug deep and found the strength to complete school in the spring of 2021.

This year she recited her Florence Nightengale pledge with her classmates while a very supportive, Ms. Ann (pictured with Ms. Garcia) watched proudly. Ms. Garcia will be working in Labor and Delivery as a registered nurse at the Frederick Health Hospital, where she enjoys caring for new mothers and their babies. She feels supported by her son, her classmates, advisors and the staff at the Housing Authority. She plans on going back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner.  Seeing Ms. Garcia succeed and continue to reach higher for herself has been an inspiration to us and others in the community. We are very grateful to be able to share her story. Congratulations Ms. Garcia!