LVC Nursing Alumna Inspired by Care to Become a Caregiver

Key Points:

• Angeles Magana-Espinoza '26 was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 10, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in nursing after the care she received from compassionate nurses.
• She joined LVC as part of the first modern cohort of Nursing majors and the John Bowman Allwein Scholar program, embracing both academic rigor and campus involvement.
• Magana-Espinoza took on leadership roles in the Student Nursing Association of PA and TeamFTK, and also served as a Valley Blue Coat ambassador representing the College.
• She credits faculty and staff mentors for helping her build confidence, develop professionally, and succeed despite ongoing health challenges.
• She will begin her nursing career in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, fulfilling her long-standing goal of caring for children.

At just age 10, Angeles Magana-Espinoza was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

"Those were some of the hardest days of my life," said Magana-Espinoza. "I was just a kid, and suddenly everything revolved around this thing called cancer. But my nurses made a world of difference. They sat with me during chemo infusions when I couldn't sleep and didn't want to wake my parents. They rubbed my back when I felt sick from the constant nausea. Those simple acts of compassion meant everything to me. They inspired me to pursue nursing."

Several years later, she visited colleges to find the best fit for her future career.

"As a first-generation college student, I really had to figure everything out on my own. So, I leaned heavily on one of my high school's college advisors, telling him exactly what I was looking for," said Magana-Espinoza. "I wanted a smaller school with small classes, a nursing program with updated technology, and a building that would make me feel excited to learn. I also wanted to be near a good children's hospital because I always knew I wanted to work in pediatrics. LVC quickly became a top contender, checking every box."

Magana-Espinoza arrived at LVC as a prestigious John Bowman Allwein Scholar as part of the College's first cohort of Nursing majors since resurrecting the program. Despite a challenging academic course load, she immersed herself throughout campus, including in LVC's chapter of the Student Nursing Association of PA (SNAP) and TeamFTK, which raises funds for Four Diamonds, a program that supported Magana-Ezpinoza during her cancer treatment. This year, she is the Senior Class Representative of LVC SNAP and Treasurer for TeamFTK.

"I love my role in SNAP," said Magana-Espinoza. "It enables us to mentor underclassmen. As the first nursing cohort, we didn't have peer mentors to guide us, so providing that support to younger students means a lot."

She has also enjoyed being a Valley Blue Coat (VBC), LVC's philanthropy ambassadors.

"Evelyn Colón, our supervisor [LVC's Culture of Philanthropy and Engagement Specialist], has been incredibly supportive," noted Magana-Espinoza. "Throughout college, I've faced ongoing health challenges, and she has always been understanding and accommodating so that I could continue working as a VBC. This role helped me grow tremendously. I developed confidence and professionalism while speaking with donors and representing the College."

On the academic side, Magana-Espinoza credits Gabrielle Donmoyer, Adjunct Instructor in Nursing.

"As my med-surg clinical instructor, she had a huge impact on my growth as a nursing student," said Magana-Espinoza. "I gained so much confidence during that rotation, and I truly credit her for that. She constantly encouraged us to seek out learning opportunities. She welcomed questions and created an environment where we felt safe expressing concerns. It was an unforgettable experience."

Recently graduated with the first modern class of Nursing majors, Magana-Espinoza has her dream job lined up. She will work in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

"During my pediatrics clinical rotation, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to work with children. They inspire me every day with their strength and resilience.

"As a first-generation student and someone who has overcome significant health challenges, earning my nursing degree feels so special," added Magana-Espinoza. "My journey hasn't been easy, but it has shaped me into a more compassionate and determined person. LVC gave me not only an education, but a community that supported me through every high and low. Now, I want to be that person for someone else during the hardest moments of their life."