JOUR 311 Assignment 3

JOUR311 Karadjov

Cienna Acevedo

STORIES UNHEARD

Yvonne Ginez-Gonzales wears many hats—serving as a federal employee at the Veteran Affairs, a mom of two, and as a student. Her typical week day begins at 4:15 A.M., arriving at work by 5:30 A.M., and from there, her day is in full throttle until she’s back in bed.

As an "older mom" at 43 years old, Yvonne feels that she is more mature and focused on her children. With both son, Nicholas, 12, and daughter, Chloe, 10, Yvonne wants to be part of their childhood every step of the way. “School is very important in our family,” says Yvonne. She made sure her schooling doesn't interfere with supporting her children in high school. In addition, Yvonne expresses her involvement with her children's activities. "Their projects and school become my own projects,” she says. "So I'm kept busy." Along with school, Yvonne keeps Nicholas and Chloe active in art programs such as piano, dance, tap, and jazz. She is thankful for her husband, Blas, who plays the role as the stay-at-home dad and picks up the children. “It’s nice to have a parent do that,” she says. “The roles are a little reversed, but it works for us.”

As a current student, Yvonne is pursuing a doctorate degree in nursing at California State University of Fullerton. Her experience in the program is “productive and diverse” due to the team projects and different backgrounds her peers come from in this three-school consortium. Her expected graduate date is in May 2015.

Yvonne’s passion in taking care of others through quality care has been a strong factor in her careers. Before working at the Veteran Affairs, she worked in hospice care for 7 years in the Long Beach community. At the same time, she was in school for her Bachelor’s Master degree in nursing leadership and caring for her children. Meanwhile, led to her occupation in Quality Management at the Veteran Affairs.

With the Veteran Affairs, Yvonne’s experience began as a veteran patient due to prior service in the Army for 13 years. After being treated for an injured knee, her nurse suggested that she work at the Veteran Affairs. “I think things worked out for a reason,” Yvonne says. After graduating in August 2008 with her Bachelor’s Master degree, Yvonne applied in September at the Veteran Affairs and was hired in November as a Quality Management Consultant. In her position, Yvonne collaborates with chiefs of staff to ensure the rest of the workforce is aware of policy changes, preparing for organization evaluations, and confirming all employees with their needs are met.

After growing up with family in the Air force, it was no surprise that Yvonne had a part in the Army. She admits her only regret is not having joined sooner. She gained valuable assets such as independence, leadership skills, and camaraderie that helped get her to where she is today. ♦