Q&A with Taylor Romero
As a Navy veteran and aspiring hospice nurse, Taylor Romero’s journey at PHSC has been shaped by a deep desire to care for others. Balancing motherhood, full-time work and college courses is no easy task, but Romero pushes forward, inspired by her late grandfather and the nurses who supported her family during his final years. Romero is pursuing a future in health care while encouraging others to never give up on their educational goals.
Q: Why did you decide to enroll at PHSC?
Romero: I decided to enroll at PHSC for a couple of reasons. The campus is close to home and I also knew many of my peers from high school who attended when it was still a community college. They always spoke highly of their experiences and the wide variety of programs the college offered.
Q: How has being a veteran shaped your journey?
Romero: Being a veteran has greatly shaped both my educational journey and my mindset. The military teaches you a “one team, one fight” attitude and encourages you to always push forward to complete the mission. It also teaches you the importance of leaning on your peers, instructors and support systems around you. We all share the same goal of learning, growing and ultimately earning our degrees., Teamwork and support are a huge part of that process.
Q: What made you interested in getting your AA and advancing into the BSN program?
Romero: The main reason I chose this program was because of my late grandfather and my long-term goal of becoming a registered nurse. I assisted in his care during the last several years of his life, up until his final moments here on earth, and had the opportunity to meet some incredible nurses who truly touched my heart. Their compassion and dedication inspired me, and I hope to one day give back to others the same way they did for my grandfather and our family.
Q: What has been your favorite experience in the program?
Romero: So far, one of my favorite experiences has been the courses Human Anatomy and Physiology. I have truly appreciated the amount of knowledge and detail that has been taught throughout the course.
Q: How has this program contributed to your educational growth?
Romero: After being away from school for an extended period of time, you begin to realize how much information, subjects and teaching methods have changed over time. There is also an incredible amount of detail that goes into each topic we study. For example, in learning about the human body, you are taught every layer in detail and how everything works together. This deeper understanding has helped me appreciate even the simplest everyday action, like moving your arm to wave hello, because I now recognize how much is happening within the body to make that possible.
Q: Have there been any clubs or events here that you enjoyed attending?
Romero: Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to attend many events or clubs. I am a single mom, work full-time and attend school full-time, so balancing everything can sometimes be challenging. However, there are events I would love to attend, such as Vet’s Cup. Now that my schedule has become more manageable, I am looking forward to participating in more events over the summer and spending time with fellow veterans and peers!
Q: Are there any instructors or staff members you would like to recognize?
Romero: Absolutely. First, I would like to recognize my advisors, Alex Bianchi and Shelly Bearden. While they are not instructors, I truly do not know what I would do without them. They have been an incredible source of support throughout my educational journey so far. I would also like to recognize Mrs. Holihan, Dr. Peterson and Dr. Harkas. These ladies demonstrate a level of passion, dedication and drive for teaching that is truly unmatched.
Q: What are your plans after graduating?
Romero: I expect to graduate in Spring 2027 with my AA, but after graduating, I plan to continue my education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Nursing program at PHSC, with the long-term goal of becoming a hospice nurse.
Q: What advice would you give to a student thinking of enrolling?
Romero: Like my late grandfather always told me, “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” There is never going to be a “perfect” time to start, continue or finish your educational journey. Life will always be busy, and there will always be challenges along the way, but if this is something you truly want to accomplish, you will find a way to make it happen. If you are unsure where to start, never be afraid to ask questions or lean on the resources and people around you. Everyone’s journey looks different, and there is no timeline that you have to follow except your own. Give yourself grace, stay determined and remember that every small step forward is still progressing toward your goals.
Taylor Romero’s story is one of perseverance and purpose. While balancing her responsibilities, she continues to pursue her dream of becoming a hospice nurse with determination and heart. Her journey serves as a reminder that there is no single path to success and that every challenge can become an opportunity for growth. As she continues her education at PHSC, Taylor hopes to one day provide the same comfort and care for others that once meant so much to her own family.