For first-generation BSN student Devora Solomon, nursing is more than a career path; it’s a calling shaped by family, culture and compassion. Born in Eritrea, a small East African country, and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Solomon brings a unique global perspective to her journey as a student at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
Solomon’s interest in nursing began early, inspired by her natural desire to help others and reinforced by volunteer experiences during high school. But it was personal loss that ultimately deepened her commitment to the profession.
“When my family was still living in Eritrea, my grandmother passed away from stroke complications caused by uncontrolled hypertension,” Solomon said. “Additionally, we have a history of neurological disorders in my family. Because of these experiences, I have decided to pursue a career in nursing, as they have opened my eyes on the effects of compassionate nursing care. I mainly decided to pursue nursing to help individuals understand their medical conditions and to provide culturally competent care.”
When choosing a nursing program, she was drawn to UT Austin for its reputation, excellent clinical experiences and opportunities that would challenge her academically and help her grow into the best nurse she can be.
Since joining the School of Nursing, Solomon has found the learning environment to be both rigorous and empowering.
“My experience at UT Austin has shaped my understanding of nursing by allowing me to learn the importance of looking at social determinants of health,” she added. “So many of my nursing courses emphasize the importance of understanding social determinants of health. It is important to understand this because it will allow me as a nurse to identify barriers to care, provide tailored nursing interventions, prevent avoidable health issues and advocate for patients.
“To me, being a Texas Nursing student means embodying the ‘What starts here changes the world’ motto,” she continued. “At UT Austin, we’re not only working to earn our nursing degrees but also working to change the world.”
Solomon credits her professors, teaching assistants, Peer Academic Coaches and her First Year Interest Group mentor for helping her build confidence and a deeper sense of purpose.
“They have shown me that nursing is not just about mastering clinical skills but also about delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care,” she said.
Passionate about neurology and mental health nursing, Solomon hopes to use her experiences to support patients and families facing neurological diagnoses with empathy and understanding.
“As someone who grew up with family members who were diagnosed with neurological disorders, I understand the impact these conditions have on patients and their families,” she added. “As a nurse, I hope to help patients and their families navigate these diagnoses with empathy and provide education.”
Outside the classroom, she’s also making an impact through mentorship and community engagement.
Solomon serves as a mentor through her scholarship program, UT for Me Dell Scholars, a program that provides additional financial and academic support for incoming Pell-eligible freshmen with the highest financial need.
The Dell Scholars program is part of UT for Me, the University’s comprehensive support program that provides a single point of access to campus resources, helping students navigate personal and academic challenges and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
She is also the recipient of the UT Austin Impact Scholarship, a prestigious award for Texas high school students who have demonstrated leadership, academic success and a significant impact in their communities.
“I am proud of being able to mentor underclassmen,” Solomon said. “As a first-generation student, I hope to be a person who can guide other students and help them acclimate to the college environment.”
On campus, she is a member of the Students of East Africa organization and volunteers with Street Medics Austin, a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to providing community aid through free on-the-ground event support, emergency response and first aid classes, free medical assistance for the unhoused population in Austin, Texas, as well as her local church.
Looking ahead, Solomon plans to begin her career in a hospital setting before eventually returning to school for a graduate degree. Her long-term goal is to provide care and education both in the U.S. and in Eritrea.
“I hope to be a nurse who provides culturally competent care, education and a nurse who patients trust,” she concluded.