Carolina Quirarte

California State University San Marcos
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Scholar

For fourteen years I watched my grandmother battle with cancer... all I remember is the passion that the nurses demonstrated. After seeing that passion, I became extremely interested in the field.

Carolina has faced many challenges, including the passing of her father when she was five. Her mother’s hard work to support the family and her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer have been the catalysts in her desire to pursue nursing.

Carolina is a sophomore pre-health major at California State University San Marcos. Active in her community, Carolina has volunteered over 250 hours with the Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and the Pathmaker Internship at Palomar Medical Center. As an intern, Carolina has learned valuable clinical skills and has been exposed to the rigors of a nursing career.

Carolina plans to pursue a master's degree in nursing. Using her unique life experiences, she wants to mentor others and touch the lives of many people.