Maria E. Mota, or “Duda” as she is known to her friends and family, graduated from Rogers State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May. Graduating from the RSU nursing program is a significant achievement, as it marks the beginning of a rewarding career dedicated to helping others.
Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, Mota came to RSU in 2019 to study nursing and immerse herself in a different culture. By living and studying on campus, she interacted with people from diverse backgrounds, broadened her studies, and fostered personal growth.
“RSU went above and beyond to prepare me for the workforce. They not only connected me with highly skilled professionals in my field of study, but they also provided me with invaluable hands-on training and learning experiences in clinical settings,” Mota said. “For first-time students, I highly recommend taking advantage of the various events and activities organized by RSU. Even if you don’t live on campus, these events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow students and meet new people.”
Not only did she earn her degree in nursing, but she also found love by meeting her fiancé, Brent Dickey, who is a recent graduate from RSU’s MBA program and came to Claremore from California on a baseball scholarship in 2019. Mota credits RSU for playing such a significant role in both her personal and academic life.
“I am beyond thankful for all the opportunities and support RSU has given me, allowing me to achieve my dreams of becoming a nurse here in the United States. Through RSU, I not only achieved my professional goals but also allowed me to meet some of my closest friends, my fiancé, as well as some incredible people who made this dream possible.”
Mota will soon begin her career as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit RN at Saint Francis Children’s Hospital in Tulsa. Working in the NICU requires exceptional skill, compassion, and dedication, and Mota’s background in nursing from Rogers State University prepared her well for this role. With a contagious passion for nursing, she looks forward to making a positive difference in the lives of newborns and their families.
For more information about degree options in RSU’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, visit www.rsu.edu/nursing.