Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales
“We the people benefit when there is healthy competition among those who provide our goods and services. Health insurance is no different.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: League City , TX
- Hometown: Baytown, TX
- Age: 36
- Community College: Lee College
- Four-year College or University: The University of Texas
- Graduate School: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Health Care, Medical Practitioner
- Other Interests: Government, Health Care, Honor Society, Leadership Development, Nonprofits, Politics and Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Services, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, Creating Stained-Glass Art, Volunteering for Charitable Causes
Biography
PROFILE: Vanessa Banks-Gonzales remembers the day that changed her life when a professor took her to work in the emergency department of Memorial Hermann Trauma Center. “I surprised myself. I jumped in and did what I could to help. Before I knew it, the day was over but I didn’t want to leave. I was hooked.” It should have come as no surprise to someone who had enjoyed a fast pace ever since her days of search and rescue in the Coast Guard.
For Vanessa, nursing is less about search and rescue than about creating an environment where those in need of healing can take refuge. She views nursing as an art. “Nursing combines the art of science with the arts of communication, caring, and compassion.” That art was challenged when she found herself visiting treatment facilities for her psychiatric nursing class. Having had a family member in such facilities, Vanessa found the experience enlightening. It gave her a new mission and elevated her art with greater compassion.
INSPIRATION: With her brother as added inspiration, Vanessa plans to pursue evidence-based research that will better equip nurses and other healthcare professionals to communicate with patients, regardless of the patient’s mental status or the providers’ preconceptions.
ASPIRATION: Vanessa plans to be an emergency nurse practitioner.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: After three years of involvement with the Baytown Special Rodeo, Vanessa saw the need for more Rodeo Buddies to assist families with special needs participants. As president of the Student Government Organization, she took this project to the student body. All were rewarded by the effort. “The nurses who participated said they gained valuable skills they could never have learned in the classroom or in a traditional clinical setting.”
ACCOLADES: At her community college, Vanessa was named Phi Theta Kappa International Distinguished Chapter Officer in 2006, and received the Thomas F. Burks Outstanding Leadership and Service Award this year.
INTERESTING FACT: Vanessa enjoys making stained glass and collecting antique glass.
Other Scholars Like Vanessa
Anastassia Goidina
College Scholar
Emory University
Stephanie Kovacs
Graduate Scholar
University of Houston
Ian Goller
College Scholar
University of Chicago
Neilay Amin
College Scholar
University of Pennsylvania