Vicky Torres was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when she was 7 years old. Growing up with cancer meant surgeries, chemotherapy and long hospital stays.
“It gave me an early appreciation for the role nurses play in a patient’s life,” she recalled. “I remember how much their compassion and care meant to me during some of my hardest moments.”
The experience inspired Torres to become a nurse, choosing Cal State Fullerton’s top-ranked School of Nursing to gain the professional skills and training needed to excel in the field.
“Cal State Fullerton has an excellent reputation for nursing education,” she said. “What really stood out to me was the supportive, welcoming environment. The faculty are deeply committed to student success, and from the moment I joined the program, I felt like I was part of a community that wanted me to thrive.”
Now in remission, Torres continues to face health challenges related to her cancer diagnosis. She said the support she has received at Cal State Fullerton has “made all the difference” in balancing treatment and coursework.
Last year, Torres received a $10,000 stipend as part of a $5 million CalOptima Health grant aimed at helping associate degree nurses complete their bachelor’s degrees and serve the Orange County community. To date, 89 CSUF students have benefited from the stipends.
“The stipend relieved some of the financial stress of nursing school, allowing me to fully focus on my education and clinical training instead of worrying about how to cover costs,” she said.
A first-generation college student, Torres said it was additionally important to her to stay local to her parents. “CSUF allowed me to pursue my education while still honoring my responsibilities to my family.”
From joining organizations like the Nursing Student Association to accessing the university’s advanced learning facilities, Torres has embraced many opportunities available to her as a Titan.
“The Nursing Student Association gave me a chance to connect with peers who share the same passion for nursing, learn about different specialties and volunteer in the community. It’s also been a great source of friendship and support throughout my time here,” she said.
“The simulation centers have also been an important part of my training. They provide a safe, realistic environment where I can practice skills, think critically and even make mistakes without fear of harming a patient.”
Torres shared that the experiences prepared her to complete clinical rotations at several hospitals, including St. Joseph Hospital, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital (now UCI Health), Anaheim Regional Medical Center and College Hospital.
“I have confidently walked into clinicals because I had already practiced many of the scenarios I would face in the hospital,” said Torres, who currently works as a nurse in Los Angeles County and aspires to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist. “Going through nursing school has only made my passion for the profession grow stronger.”
“I first met Vicky in a Critical Thinking in Nursing course and was struck by her intellectual curiosity, kindness and resilience,” said Kate Bayhan, CSUF assistant professor of nursing. “Her enduring commitment to the nursing profession makes her an exceptional example of a Titan.”