As we celebrate the achievements of our nursing graduates, it is vital to acknowledge the personal journeys that led them here.
Irving Escobar stands out with a path marked by resilience, heartbreak, and the unwavering support of loved ones. His story not only highlights the challenges many faced during turbulent times but also captures the spirit of perseverance within the Manhattanville community. Irving's peers selected him to share his story at their Nurse Pinning Ceremony, reminding us of the power of determination in overcoming adversity. He was also interviewed by News 12 at Commencement on May 17, 2025.
Good morning, distinguished faculty, proud family members, and of course, my nursing classmates. I am beyond honored and grateful to stand before you this morning on this very special and memorable day.
Today, we celebrate a major accomplishment that we have worked extremely hard to attain. For some of us, this journey began four years ago in 2020 as college freshmen, when there was unprecedented disruption and change, and for others, we transferred to Mville from another institution. Either way, it was a time of uncertainty and resilience. I applaud each of you and say, “Congratulations!” You crossed the finish line.
And still, for others sitting here today, pursuing a second degree was part of their journey, to which I also say Congratulations! Having one bachelor’s degree is most definitely something to be proud of, but having two shows immense dedication and commitment to your education.
I commend you for enhancing your knowledge and securing this accomplishment.
As for me, my journey has been a bit different. Eight years ago, at age 26, I started with the goal of eventually becoming a nurse. By that time, I had already spent five years as a medical assistant, and to be honest, I had begun to feel like there was more I should be pursuing. And my beautiful wife felt the same way. She would tell me, “I think you should go to school to become a nurse you are so smart and so caring with your patients”. She saw something in me that I struggled to see at the time.
I’ll also admit that I had doubts about becoming a nurse, especially when I realized I would have to start my college journey from the very beginning. With just a few college credits to my name, I felt like it would take forever to finish all the prerequisites before I could even start applying to nursing programs. I made the decision to take the first step by enrolling in a community college and starting the required classes. At the time, I needed to continue to work full-time and go to school at night. I had a little family of my own, and it wasn’t realistic for me to attend school full-time. This continued for about four years, taking us into 2020.
As I mentioned earlier, 2020 brought disruption and change for all of us. In March of that year, my little boy was born, and I was also completing my final science requirement, Medical Microbiology. Following that beautiful moment of a new life being born, it felt as though my entire world came to a sudden halt.
On April 8th, I lost my best friend to COVID. Two days later, on April 10th, my wife lost her grandmother to the same virus. Then, on April 23rd, I received the heart-wrenching news that my mother had been murdered while on vacation. I recall that moment clearly, freezing up as I tried to process what I was hearing on the phone. I was in denial for about twenty minutes before the harsh reality was confirmed. A flood of thoughts ran through my mind when I finally accepted that there was nothing I could do, only to keep moving forward.
I chose to take a break from school that fall because I wasn’t mentally prepared to start applying to nursing schools. It turned out to be the right decision, as I had no idea that another tragedy was waiting for me. Just six months after my mother’s death, my stepfather, who had been in my life since I was three, passed away from "COVID." But honestly, I believe it was from a broken heart. Once again, I froze, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a "black cloud" hanging over me. I was just trying to live a somewhat normal life, yet it seemed like obstacle after obstacle kept getting in my way.
A few months went by, and by 2021, if I’m being honest, applying to nursing school was the furthest thing from my mind. I gradually began to lose myself as depression, anxiety, and anger took control. Despite all the emotions I was battling, I knew I had to start applying. That year, I submitted applications to four nursing schools, and all four rejected me. My confidence was shattered, and I started to entertain the thought that maybe becoming a nurse just wasn’t meant to be, that I had been fooling myself all these years.
At the start of 2022, I applied to two more nursing schools, only to face rejection once again. By this point, I had decided I was done chasing this dream, as it had turned into a nightmare. I told myself I must not be good enough. I was ready to give it all up, but there was someone who never gave up on me, then and still doesn't—my wife. My wife has been my best friend, my biggest supporter, and most importantly, my soulmate. I remember her on the phone saying, “You’re not giving up. In fact, you’re going to apply to this school, and you’re doing it today!” The school was Manhattanville University, about an hour from my home. I did exactly as she told me, expecting to receive a rejection letter. But as you can observe, I'm standing here today—because that rejection letter never came!
You see, from that moment on, God removed all rejection from my life. I say God because, without Him, I wouldn’t be standing here speaking to all of you today. All those other doors that stayed closed were meant to be, because Manhattanville was the door He had left open for me. And I wouldn’t change that for anything. I used to think there was a black cloud hanging over me because of all the adversity I faced. I doubted my own abilities after all the rejections, and I wondered if I would ever have the chance to become a nurse. But I was wrong. God shaped me, made me stronger, more resilient, and most importantly, taught me to stop just thinking and start truly believing.
I share this in the hope that someone needs to hear it: "Success isn't determined by the obstacles you face, but by the strength you find to overcome them. Keep pushing forward—your breakthrough is nearer than you realize."
To my nursing classmates, I want to leave you with this: You are exactly where you're meant to be. If you’ve ever had doubts, let them go—your path has already been written, and you’re living it right now. This is just the beginning. Each of you is destined to become an incredible nurse. Thank you, and may God bless you all.
-Irving Escobar
About the Manhattanville University School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Our mission is to prepare our current and future students to become transformative healthcare professionals.
Whether it’s your first time attending college or you’re a certified health professional looking to expand your professional opportunities, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers patient-centered degree programs grounded in clinical practice.
Future healthcare leaders, holistically trained patient advocates, and ethically responsible health professionals will be given the tools to grow in Manhattanville’s high-tech, high-care nursing and health professions programs.
Nursing and Health Professions Education at Manhattanville
Informed by the Caritas philosophy, students in our undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs graduate capable of performing necessary tasks and procedures and of fostering moments of healing and care with patients.
Manhattanville’s modern approach to nursing and healthcare education develops inter-professional collaborators who can respond to the changing landscape of their fields. Our Caritas healthcare professionals can perform tasks while being completely present and centered with the patient and balance high-tech with high-touch care.
