Aspiring nurse wants to pay forward the care he received
A long-term illness requiring multiple hospitalizations inspired Ricardo Gomez to become a nurse.
“I received so many uplifting comments and so much positive reinforcement from all the nurses, nurse’s aides, and doctors! This made me realize that health care is not only about helping people, but can be a way to show appreciation for other health professionals. So many people rely on these professionals to help them get back to a healthy and normal life. Fortunately, with the exceptional help I received from them, I have made a full recovery,” explained Gomez.
Switching careers from education to nursing
A Detroit native, Gomez is the youngest of two. He lives in Dearborn Heights with Shannon, his wife of 23 years. The couple has three children, ages 25, 16, and 10, and one grandchild, age 7.
Gomez is an alumnus of Cody High School in Detroit. He earned an associate degree in education from the Wayne County Community College District and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a K-12 teaching certificate from Eastern Michigan University. For 10 years, Gomez was a teacher at Dixon Elementary School in the Detroit Public Schools. Unfortunately, Dixon was one of many school closings in DPS, and Gomez’s job was eliminated. Afterward, he worked in retail before deciding to pursue nursing.
He plans to complete his HFC associate degree in nursing in 2027.
“I chose HFC because I heard about the outstanding nursing program. As a bonus, it's a convenient commute from my house,” said Gomez. “The best part of attending HFC is how sincere everyone is, which makes it a positive community experience.”
Inspiration is reciprocal
Gomez says one of his favorite professors is biology instructor Dr. Joel Milliner.
“He is amazing,” said Gomez. “He has a fantastic demeanor and takes a witty approach to the study of anatomy and physiology. He is not just a wonderful teacher, but also a great mentor and friend. He's been a big part of my experience at HFC.”
Milliner appreciated having Gomez in his classes.
“Ricardo is pursuing his education at a later time than some students, and that's inspiring,” said Milliner. “Where some people might think they are too old or feel intimidated by being around younger students, he draws on his life experiences to make his classes relevant to life. He is extremely motivated and always has a plan of attack for studying. It’s been great to have him in class, because he shows others that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.”
Enriching experience will make a difference for the rest of his life
Gomez called the HFC faculty he’s encountered “exceptional.”
“The faculty and staff at HFC have been wonderful in my short time here. If my future professors are as good as the ones I’ve already had, then I will be on another path to success,” said Gomez. “HFC is definitely preparing me for the next step in my life. The faculty and staff are dedicated to making sure every student is well-prepared for whatever path they choose.”
Gomez encourages students of any age or life experience to take classes at HFC.
“Starting at HFC is a great choice. You will have professors who are committed to making sure you get the very best education,” he said. “They are devoted to helping you make your hopes and dreams come true. For me, HFC been an enriching experience that will make a difference for the rest of my life.”