Iracel Gonzalez Selected for Journey Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iracel Gonzalez Selected for Journey Program

GILLETTE, Wyo. – March 24, 2023 – Iracel Gonzalez was recently selected to be part of Campbell County Health’s first Journey Program cohort. A Thunder Basin High School senior, Iracel, will join four other high school students who are aspiring healthcare professionals through this unique education program.

Originally from Arkansas, Iracel had planned to pursue nursing even before hearing of the Journey Program. Her family’s medical history exposed her to and interested her in healthcare careers. She shared that she was excited when she heard about the Journey program because of the opportunity it represented and how proud it would make her parents if she got it.

“My family’s past medical history got me interested in healthcare,” said Gonzalez. “I’ve always had an interest in knowing how to treat the things that my family had. I want to heal others through healthcare just as my family has been helped.”

Iracel knows that becoming a healthcare provider can be rigorous and challenging, but she is up for the challenge. Already a CNA, Iracel is looking toward the future with excitement and ambition. After completing the Journey Program and gaining experience as an RN, Iracel hopes to work toward becoming either a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner.

“I’m looking forward to what I will accomplish in the Journey program,” said Gonzalez. “I’m also looking forward to taking my career to the next level after I complete the program.”

Outside of work, Iracel has many hobbies. She has played cello for the past seven years and added baking and weightlifting to her list of hobbies during the pandemic. Though it can be difficult for Iracel to find the time, she loves reading and shared that she believes reading is one of the keys to achieving great things. She also makes ample time for her family, with whom she loves spending time. One of Iracel’s concerns was ensuring she could stay close to her family in Gillette during nursing school - something she now definitely gets to do via the Journey Program.

“I think it [the Journey Program] offers an opportunity to make a name for myself,” said Gonzalez. “As a first-gen college student, I have been able to overcome what others don’t necessarily think can be overcome. My family means so much to me, they sacrificed so much to give me a better life, and in doing this program, I know I am making them proud.”

Join us in congratulating Iracel on her admission to the Journey Program and stay tuned for more as she launches her healthcare career and becomes a leader in the next generation of what it means to embody Excellence Every Day!

The Journey Program is a multi-year program that pairs education and job training. The 2023 cohort will enroll in professional development programs at CCH, and CCH will pay for their college classes and materials. Stay tuned for more feature stories on these amazing students!

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