Guadalupe De Santiago is graduating as part of Western Nevada College’s Nursing Class of 2026 after overcoming challenges that once made her question whether becoming a nurse was still possible.
“I cannot express enough gratitude to WNC for helping shape me into the person and future nurse I am today,” De Santiago said. “From being a student who doubted herself to now graduating from the nursing program, a part of my heart will always remain at WNC, and I hope that one day I can give back to future students the same support, encouragement, and mentors who supported me throughout these years.”
De Santiago said nursing instructor Lisa Dunkelberg helped rebuild her confidence by reminding her that students often come back stronger during their second attempt to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree program. De Santiago was also elected Fallon Chair by her classmates.
“Being elected as the Fallon Chair by my classmates meant a lot to me,” she said. “What my Fallon classmates probably did not know is that after struggling the first time through the program, I carried the fear of failing again with me every semester. There were many moments where I quietly doubted myself, but my classmates continued to believe in me, rely on me, and encourage me. That motivated me more than they probably realize.”
Working through the nursing program also reminded De Santiago why she wanted to become a nurse in the first place.
“As a child, I was constantly injuring myself because I genuinely believed I was a superhero and invincible, until I ended up with a broken arm or leg,” she said. “The nurses always made those moments feel less scary and overwhelming. I still remember how kind they were and how something as simple as giving me a sticker or stuffed animal made me feel safe and brave. Those experiences inspired me to become the nurse who brings compassion, comfort, and support to patients in difficult moments.”
The Fallon nursing cohort is separate from the main WNC campus in Carson City, which posed some unique challenges to nursing students. De Santiago, along with other Fallon students, took classes via Zoom and traveled to clinicals in Reno and labs in Carson City.
“Since I worked on campus, instructors would often communicate with me to make sure our Fallon cohort had the necessary handouts and materials before class,” De Santiago said.
She explained that carpooling made the long days more manageable, while support from the Fallon campus, local scholarships, and programs like ROADS helped students manage the financial and academic pressures of nursing school.
De Santiago also credited her family for helping her through the program, saying her parents continued to believe in her during difficult moments, and her sister often brought meals and coffee during late nights spent studying at the Fallon campus.
De Santiago’s commitment to both academics and community service has also earned recognition outside the classroom. In 2024, she received WNC’s Community Service Student Employee of the Year award and was later nominated for the 2026 Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement Scholarship.
J. Kyle Dalpe praised her perseverance and leadership throughout the program.
“Lupe’s journey reflects the resilience, compassion, and determination that define so many of our nursing graduates,” Dalpe said. “Her willingness to persevere through adversity, support her classmates, and continue pursuing excellence speaks volumes about her character. We are incredibly proud of Lupe and the entire Nursing Class of 2026 as they prepare to serve their communities with skill and compassion.”
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