05/27/2026
Our next alumni spotlight celebrates Sandra, Jessica, and Cristina Martinez, three sisters who each found their calling at SMU's College of Nursing.
Jessica led the way, completing her BSN in 2015 and going on to work in the pre-op and recovery unit at Stanford Health Care. Sandra, the eldest, graduated with her BSN in 2023 and now works as a Children and Family Services Public Health Nurse for the County of San Mateo. And Cristina, the youngest, is currently finishing her ELMSN at SMU Oakland.
The first in her family to attend college, Jessica set the stage for her sisters, but she's quick to credit her sisters for getting her through it. "I feel proud of my sisters for following the same path, and hope I can provide them with the same encouragement they gave me," she says. For Cristina, watching both sisters complete the program reminds her that achieving this goal is possible. "They understand how difficult nursing school is, and they constantly provide guidance, encouragement, and reassurance," she says.
At the heart of their “why” for choosing nursing is a deep commitment to family and care for others. As the eldest of five siblings, caregiving has always come naturally for Sandra. "My background and life experience shaped my desire to help people and provide comfort during difficult times," she reflects. It was witnessing that same strength and compassion in her older sisters that inspired Cristina to follow their lead.
"Nursing is truly the backbone of medicine," says Jessica, "and I'm very proud to be a member of this community."
