Alejandra Barrera’s journey to become a nurse was transformed by unexpected friendships, a loving church, and God’s quiet provision.

In 2021, when I was 19, I moved from Mexico to Austin, Texas, to be with my mom. It was a big decision, but I believed living with my mom would allow me to pursue my dream of finishing my nursing degree, which I had put on hold in Mexico. Unfortunately, college was an expense I couldn’t afford, and I struggled to find a job.

I decided to move to Michigan to figure out how to make ends meet. She welcomed me into her home, taught me how to drive, and helped me find a job. It was there that I started working as a caregiver at a nursing home. I loved it. I formed deep connections with the people I cared for and learned so much — not only about nursing but also about life. Working as a caregiver taught me how important it is to show compassion and provide care for those who are often forgotten.

At the end of 2022, I moved back to live with my mom in Austin. I wanted to be closer to her and my family back in Mexico. During my first month back in Texas, I applied to several caregiving positions. Eventually, I found the one that felt right. I met a couple, Carolyn and Steve, who needed caregiving services, and they happened to find me.

 

Finding my way to the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis

Carolyn and Steve were part of the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis. From the moment we met, they welcomed me into their lives and community. They didn’t just offer me a job; they introduced me to everyone, invited me to church, and made me feel like I belonged. I felt seen, supported, and encouraged in ways I hadn’t experienced before. In a sense, I was adopted by the church.

I felt seen, supported, and encouraged in ways I hadn’t experienced before. In a sense, I was adopted by the church.

It was an honor and a life-changing experience to meet and care for Carolyn. She quickly became a close friend, and I cherished every single day with her. On our first day together, she asked if I was thinking about going back to school to become a nurse, and from that moment, she encouraged me to pursue my dream. She told me I had the heart and mind for it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. Once Carolyn and Steve knew I wanted to pursue nursing, they introduced me to people in the church who could help, like my dear friends Nancy, Grace, and Janet, who organized monthly meetings to offer love, encouragement and advice.

Beginning nursing school

After months of studying and hard work, I took the necessary tests and was accepted into a nursing program. I started working at Baylor Scott and White Health as a nurse assistant. None of this would have been possible without the support of a community that believed in me. With their encouragement, I was able to begin nursing school, and I started my second quarter this past January.

It feels incredible to no longer feel like I’m just surviving but living — achieving my dreams with the support of an amazing community around me.

During a recent sermon, I couldn’t stop reflecting on how Jesus has been with me, working through all the people I’ve met along this journey. I feel blessed by how God provided exactly what I needed, even when I didn’t realize it at the time. It feels incredible to no longer feel like I’m just surviving but living — achieving my dreams with the support of an amazing community around me. I’m excited to continue growing in my career and to graduate from nursing school with my PCLT family beside me.