Monteiro’s nursing dream supported by her two families

While most college students benefit from the support of their family, Camila Monteiro, ’22, nursing, had the support of two families.

A native of Sumaré, Brazil, Monteiro was inspired by her mother, who had set aside her dream of becoming a nurse to raise her family. Monteiro’s memories are filled with her mother teaching her and her siblings to be empathetic, dedicated, hardworking, compassionate, and to care for others without judging them.

“My nursing heart comes from my mom because she has always cared for everyone and found ways to help our community even when we did not have much for ourselves,” said Monteiro. “I can never be as good as she is, but she ignited my passion for the nursing profession and the level of human connection and caring for other individuals that it takes.”

Monteiro also credits her stepfather, Fabio, for bringing real happiness into her life, and teaching her the values that have carried her along the way.

“He thought I was crazy but told me I could conquer the world with hard work, dedication and determination,” Monteiro said. “When he came into our lives, everything became much better and happier. He was the father figure I needed.”

Monteiro said she knew in her heart that her future was north, in America, and started saving money for her life journey when she was only 14. Her mother supported her all the way. When she was 20, she came to the U.S. to be an au pair. The position allowed her to earn more income, learn English and adjust to the culture before applying to college.

The au pair position brought her to Atlanta, where she met the Madan family from Tanzania, Africa. The Madans had immigrated to the U.S. to pursue their dreams and a better life for their children. Monteiro bonded with them instantly, and they became her second family.

“Without them I would not be here today,” she said. “The Madans supported and guided me through the pathways of living in a foreign country. They gave me love. My African mama, Fatema, even went to Brazil with me and met my family a couple of years ago. Despite the language barrier, they became very close.”

Monteiro learned about Georgia Gwinnett’s nursing program while doing nursing prerequisite studies at Georgia State University. The intimacy of GGC ’s program appealed to her, she said, because she appreciates closeness and being more than a number.

She had concerns about affording it as an out-of-state student, but the college to learn, resources support from all sides, and the diversity and inclusiveness of the campus community. She cited meeting people from all over the USA, as well as Afghanistan, Argentina, China, Columbia, Ethiopia, India, Liberia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Pakistan, Romania, Venezuela and more.

“GGC students and faculty come from a great variety of backgrounds, experiences, cultures and histories,” she said. “Everyone transcends their unique essence, and I learned from a different perspective daily.”

If the diversity has been invigorating, then the caring nature of her professors and fellow students has been humbling.

“I’ve been continually touched by how selected her for a presidential out-ofstate tuition waiver.

“It meant so much to me that my hard work was recognized here at GGC, as this waiver is given to students who are involved and academically successful,” said Monteiro.

Monteiro said she loved several things about GGC – how there is always something fun going on, something new everyone at GGC truly cared about me, not only as a student but as an individual with a story to tell and scars to heal.”

Monteiro graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in December 2022, and began her nursing career in the emergency department of Grady Health System. She plans to become a nursing educator and earn a doctorate in nursing practice, with an ultimate goal of returning to Brazil one day to teach.