Hi! My name is Maria Paz Eladia Posadas, and I am a Junior Honors Nursing Student on the 4-year track at Dominican University of California. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and immigrated to the U.S when I was 4 years old. Ever since then, I have lived in Alameda, CA and graduated from Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School.

Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field because the study of the human body has always fascinated me. But another reason why I chose nursing is because it gives me the ability to help others in need.  As I grew up and became exposed to the life of those in my home country, I became witness to the poverty that is experienced by so many people. Medical care is not a concern because healthcare is expensive and many families do not have the financial capabilities of receiving proper and adequate treatment. Learning this broke my heart. I am blessed and lucky to have access to exceptional medicine; I want to do the same for others. 

My mother and I are the only people on her side of the family to have the opportunity to immigrate to the U.S. I carry a large responsibility of representing my family back at home, striving to be a better person everyday. Family is what has shaped my values of being kind, respectful, and caring towards others. They are very supportive of my interests and goals of going into the healthcare field as a nurse. I am especially close with my mom. She is my inspiration and strength in everything I do. There are no words to express the amount of love I have for the woman who has sacrificed so much for her daughter. 

The Philippines holds a very special place in my heart. My parents and I travel back home to the Philippines when we are able. We have the opportunity to spend time with our family and explore many different places, like Bohol, Tagaytay, Boracay, and Baguio. But, we also enjoy shopping at a nearby SM. When I travel to the Philippines, I get to experience the little things, like riding in a tricycle, jeepney, and motorcycle. I make sure to savor every moment I can with my family and always remember to be thankful for the love they give me. 

• I am fluent in Tagalog

• I am left-handed

• I swam for my high school swim team and a club swimming team

• I enjoy cooking steak and salmon

• I can do magic tricks