For Her Kids, For Her Future: One Mom’s Path to the Graduation Stage

When Jeneva Yribe lost her job a few years ago, she made a decision that would change everything: start over.

The first step was earning her GED. The next was enrolling at CNM.

“Once I took my GED exam and passed, I realized if I could do that, I could do something more,” she says.

Jeneva enrolled in Fall 2023 and quickly threw herself into her coursework. Before long, she discovered something unexpected—a genuine passion for science—and a clear path forward.

“I realized I’m a big science person. I love chemistry, biology, and even pathology,” she says. “I was also my mother-in-law’s caretaker for ten years, and that was really fulfilling. Nursing felt like the natural next step.”

Over the past three years, Jeneva has worked steadily toward that goal, completing her prerequisite courses for CNM’s Nursing program while also pursuing studies in Liberal Arts. Along the way, she’s balanced a full plate: working at the CNM Assessment Center and raising three young children.

It hasn’t been easy. But for Jeneva, the challenge has always been part of the purpose.

“My kids are my inspiration, and I want to show them what’s possible,” she says.

Support from the CNM Foundation helped make that path more manageable. A scholarship eased financial pressure, allowing her to focus more fully on her education and her family.

“Receiving the scholarship meant I could breathe a little,” she says. “It helped me stay on track.”

On May 2, Jeneva will cross the stage as a graduate, earning an associate degree in Pre-Health Sciences and Liberal Arts, along with two certificates in General Studies and Health, Wellness, and Public Safety.

Next, she plans to enter CNM’s Nursing program and continue on to the University of New Mexico.

As a first-generation college student, the moment carries extra weight.

“I’m just so excited to see my family’s reaction when I walk the stage,” she says. “Everything I do, I do for my kids. I hope this is just the first of many graduations they get to celebrate with me.”