Living Her Dream

I’ve been on my own since I was 16, so I always knew I needed to figure out a way to pay for college. My determination led me to San Diego State University’s Division 1 rowing team, becoming the first member of my family to attend college.

However, the situation changed when my roommate fell asleep at the wheel with me in the passenger seat. I suffered severe injuries and was forced to retire from rowing. I was suddenly a full-time college student with no financial aid. I spent more than seven years getting through college, working as hard as I could, and yet still being told repeatedly that I would never be a nurse.

Through a stroke of good luck, my employer had attended National University, and her feedback was all I needed to hear. It was the happiest day of my life when I was accepted into NU’s nursing program. National University said “yes” to my dream and gave me the tools and resources to succeed and accomplish my goals. Now I am living my dream as a registered nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital in the Cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU), thanks to NU’s nursing program and all the generous donations they receive.

—Victorianna “Tori” C.
Bachelor of Science, Nursing 2nd Bachelor's

Make More Dreams Come True

A gift in your estate plan can make all the difference for students like Tori. Contact the Development Office at (858) 642-8942 or development@nu.edu to discuss making a gift that meets your charitable and personal goals.