UP CLOSE
By E . Napoletano , 2024-2025 Imprint Up Close Reporter
Always Striving for More : Angela Maese ’ s Path to Nursing
Angela Maese is no stranger to perseverance . At 32 , the Buckeye , Arizona , mother of five is balancing full-time work at the prestigious Mayo Clinic , an accelerated nursing program at Chamberlain University , and her many commitments to community and professional organizations .
Her motivation ? She wants a better future for her family and has a deep desire to touch as many lives as possible .
“ I ’ ve always wanted to be in the field ,” Angela shares . “ I ’ ve been a medical assistant for 16 years but just wanted to expand my career . It ’ s really crazy — on my very first day of nursing school , my sister , who ’ s 33 , suffered five strokes . That moment solidified that maybe this is where I ’ m meant to be .”
Angela ’ s days are packed . As a freshman in Chamberlain ’ s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing ( BSN ) program , she juggles classes , volunteer commitments , and her demanding role at Mayo Clinic . The accelerated pace of the program suits her goal-oriented personality . “ I want to be able to give my family a better future ,” she says . “ That ’ s what really prompted me to do the accelerated BSN program . Chamberlain was the only school that offered nights and weekend classes , making it possible for me to work full-time and pursue my degree .”
A Champion for Others
Angela ’ s dedication to nursing extends beyond her coursework . She serves as the Breakthrough to Nursing Director for her school ’ s National Student
Nurses Association ( NSNA ) chapter , a role focused on helping students navigate financial barriers to nursing education . “ When I first started school , I didn ’ t know how to pay for it and still struggle every semester ,” she says . “ If I can help someone else through that , I want to do it . Money shouldn ’ t define someone ’ s ability to be a nurse .”
Her involvement doesn ’ t stop there . Angela is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses ( NAHN ), where she finds a sense of belonging , support , and a family-like atmosphere . “ I just got approved to be part of their mentorship program , which will help guide me through nursing school ,” she says . She also volunteers two to three times a month through her school or NAHN , participating in events like feeding the unhoused , promoting oral health awareness , and organizing pediatric vaccine clinics .
“ I want to give back to the community and make sure that people who aren ’ t able to get proper healthcare are receiving it ,” Angela says .
Finding Purpose in Challenges
Angela ’ s passion for nursing stems from her personal experiences and professional intrigue . Her son with autism inspires her to participate in autism awareness events , while visits to the Mayo ’ s ICU planted the seed for a future as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ( CRNA ). “ It ’ s fascinating to see how the body works and to be there supporting the team during surgery ,” she says . “ My family always asks how I ’ m going to add another thing to my list , but
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