Tanya Minor has only ever wanted to do one thing: become a nurse. Twenty years ago, at just 18 years old, she made that dream a reality when she became a certified nursing assistant. For Minor, nursing is about more than working in a hospital. It’s about the actions she takes every day and the quality of care she provides to her patients.

“Nurses are so needed in this world. I’ve always thought that if you have the passion, the will and the drive for it, you can make a great nurse,” said Minor.

At 25, Minor decided to continue her nursing education by pursuing her Associate Degree in Nursing at Galen’s San Antonio campus. She says the journey was not always easy. That same year, she remarried, and she and her husband were raising six children while balancing the demands of higher education.

“After I earned my associate degree, I kind of felt like I was done. I’ve always been kind of squeamish about school because it takes me a little longer to understand things than most people. I felt this calling, though, that I needed to go back,” Minor said.

That calling is what led Minor to Galen College of Nursing, where she spent the next four years working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I just knew if I didn’t do it, I would keep sitting there talking about it. I took that leap of faith and went for it. If you have a dream and a desire in your heart, you just have to go for it,” said Minor.

Minor graduated in April, finishing summa cum laude and landing her dream job at a correctional facility. But her accomplishments didn’t stop there. At the end of July, she received an email that changed the way she viewed herself. The message informed her that she had been selected as a recipient of the Tray Ortelli Leadership in Nursing Award.

“I just keep feeling like I have impostor syndrome. The qualities they look for in people who receive the award are just so humbling. I’m still in shock that I would even be included. I am honored,” said Minor.

The award recognizes graduating RN-to-BSN students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, integrity, advocacy and a commitment to excellence in nursing.

Recipients are selected for their ability to inspire and motivate others, serve as role models, uphold the highest standards of personal integrity and embody Galen’s iCARE principles of Inclusivity, Character, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Tracy Ortelli, Galen College of Nursing’s President and Chief Academic Officer. Throughout her career, Dr. Ortelli has helped shape nursing education through her leadership, scholarship and dedication to student success. She also played a key role in the development of Galen’s Pre-Licensure BSN Program, Online RN-to-BSN Program and graduate programs.

For Minor, receiving the award is another milestone in a journey defined by perseverance, compassion and a lifelong dedication to nursing. From becoming a CNA at 18 to earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while raising a family and pursuing her dream career, she hopes her story encourages others to take a chance on themselves.

No matter how difficult the path may seem, Minor believes that with passion, determination and faith, any dream is worth pursuing.