Carissa Galvez | Arizona College

Carissa had dreamed of becoming a nurse ever since she was 10 years old. Five years ago, it did not seem like this would be a possibility. Carissa was diagnosed with a rare, genetic brain condition. She was not expected to live long enough to graduate high school. Carissa endured dozens of surgeries, including an experimental shunt to help with the draining of excess brain fluid. She was even featured on Arizona Family when her doctors did not know what else to do for her. This news story opened medical doors for Carissa.

When Carissa joined Arizona College in July 2015, she was determined to fulfill her childhood dream. She knew the road ahead would not be easy and found it to be even harder than she expected. Carissa did not let her health issues hold her
back. She worked hard and it paid off. Carissa graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, December 2017, and will no doubt pass her NCLEX to become a registered nurse. She is proof of the power of hard work and an unwavering will
to succeed.