This month we spotlight Ashley Aguilera, a recent Lone Star College-North Harris graduate, who became a registered nurse through the nursing program at the Health Professions Building. A Houston native, Aguilera credits the vibrant and diverse city for shaping the person she is today.
“Houston has provided me with countless opportunities for growth; personally, academically, and professionally, and I’m grateful to call it home,” Aguilera shared, adding that her close-knit family has played a “big part” of her life, her parents being her greatest influence.
“Their unwavering support, strong work ethic, and faith in me encouraged me to believe in myself and chase after my dreams,” Aguilera said. “They instilled in me the importance of perseverance, humility, and the power of prayer, which continues to guide me today.”
From an early age, Aguilera has had a fascination with the medical field, having a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. That passion soon became Aguilera’s calling.
“The idea of being able to provide care, comfort, and healing to others is what ultimately led me to pursue a career in nursing,” Aguilera said. “I see it as both a profession and a ministry, an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Before committing to a career in nursing, Aguilera spent three years in ministry school, where she became a licensed minister. The time she spent earning her license helped shape Aguilera’s worldview and deepened her understanding of service and purpose.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always keep God at the center of everything I do,” Aguilera shared. “My faith has carried me through difficult moments and has been my source of strength and peace. I’ve also learned the importance of staying grounded, being compassionate, and never underestimating the power of prayer.”
After she earned her license in ministry, Aguilera enrolled at Lone Star College in 2021, where she focused on her academic and professional career. Aguilera says that her time at LSC-North Harris has provided her with a solid academic foundation and supportive environment that has helped her to mature.
“What I’ve loved most about attending Lone Star College-North Harris is the faculty,” Aguilera said. “The instructors and staff have been incredibly supportive, passionate, and genuinely invested in their students' success. Their encouragement made the learning experience both exciting and empowering. They created an environment that felt more like a community, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.”