Nathaniel Antojado

 

Nathaniel Antojado, a Freshman Direct Admit student at Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Class of 2027, discovered his calling to nursing through a remarkable personal experience. As a child, Nathaniel underwent a surgical procedure and was naturally very scared of it, but the nurses reassured him it would be painless after the anesthetic was set.

“I didn't believe it at first, but before I knew it, the surgery was over, and it felt like nothing,” he said. “All my worries disappeared and turned into relief. I'm fascinated by how anesthetics work and would love to study more about it in the future.”

Nathaniel shared that he is pursuing his dream of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

A Lamplighter Scholarship recipient, Nathaniel described his perspective on the rewarding nature of nursing. For him, nursing embodies selflessness. He finds fulfillment in aiding others, prioritizing their needs over his own.

“Whether it's assisting friends or tending to patients, Nathaniel's goal remains the same: to ensure comfort and support others through their struggles. Understanding the sacrifice of time and effort required, he sees the ultimate reward in witnessing their full recovery. Contributing to the well-being of his community, Nathaniel finds profound satisfaction in giving back through his nursing endeavors. Observing the diligence and devotion of nurses during his high school clinicals left an indelible impression on Nathaniel. He found himself drawn to their profession, inspired by their unwavering commitment to patient care. As he reflects on his aspirations, Nathaniel acknowledges the demanding nature of nursing yet remains undeterred by its challenges. "The job appears physically, intellectually, and emotionally taxing," he remarked, "but the rewards it offers are invaluable."

Nathaniel's commitment to serving the Boca Raton community extends beyond the realm of health care, as evidenced by his involvement in various volunteer initiatives.

“Whether participating in walks for cancer and cures for Alzheimer’s disease or contributing his time at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, Nathaniel's altruistic spirit shines through. At Gumbo Limbo, where he used to volunteer, he warmly greeted visitors, fostering connections with individuals who shared his passion for making a difference. Through these interactions, Nathaniel not only expanded his network but also gleaned valuable insights that he can apply to his nursing career both now and in the future.

Thinking about the future of nursing and utilizing the philosophy of caring science, Nathaniel said he hopes the dedication and hard work of nurses are widely recognized, fostering an even greater sense of pride within the nursing profession.