Nursing Student: Covid “Opened My Eyes”

Kimberlynn Vergara is a nursing student at MATC and is employed as a certified nursing assistant. Every day she witnesses the struggles of patients and families that have to deal with heartache and tragedy with the pandemic and the fight for social justice. Observing such pain has forced her to reevaluate herself, her priorities and her mindset.

Q-Jason Smith: How have you been living in these times? What adjustments have you had to make?

A-Kimberlynn Vergara:  One big one is school now, I go to school all online; I wasn’t used to that. I was always used to in-person, at the campus. We have a lot of tech issues at my school, so it makes it a little difficult on the students. Also with working, they don’t force us to get the vaccine but they recommend us since I do work ith an older population and they’re very sick. Also my family life; my nephew has the condition with his lungs so we have to be very careful around him and take extra precaution.

Q: How do you feel about the vaccine?

A: Well, I haven’t got the vaccine yet. I’m still waiting to see how other people are reacting towards it. I’m a little nervous to get the vaccine; it came out quickly. I haven’t done much research yet, but I probably should. I understand why they’re recommending us to get the vaccine, but also, some of us probably don;t want to yet.

Q: Do you plan on getting it?

A: Yes, I do plan on getting it. I want the Johnson and Johnson vaccine just because it’s one shot. But, I also have to talk to my doctor to get it.

Q: When you couple the COVID-19 pandemic with the fight for social justice, being a woman of color, how has all of this impacted you and your family?

A: It makes me very scared and nervous because the police, it really does seem like they’re targeting everyone of color. Having a nephew so young and is black makes me scared for him to go out when he’s older because you always just have this mindset of “I hope they’re coming home.” It’s very overwhelming; an unfortunate and sad situation. My heart goes out to all of those families that have had to deal with police brutality.

Q: What did all of this do to you mentally and emotionally?

A: Yes for sure, it’s affected me a lot. I’m isolated from my family and friends. It’s been a long journey just being in the house for a year. It opened my eyes that we should keep our loved ones close, talk to them more and tell them that you love them because you never know what tomorrow may bring. As well as the social injustice, it just really opened my eyes to be aware of the underlying racism.