From the moment she was born, Ary Quinones seemed destined to become a nurse.
“I was born and raised in a hospital,” said Quinones. “My mom couldn’t afford childcare, so I went to work with her throughout her nursing school.”
However, Quinones’ own journey toward a healthcare career was not so straightforward. She faced a series of medical challenges that began when she was just a child — two knee surgeries by the age of 13, followed by a diagnosis when she was 14 of dysautonomia (POTS), a nervous system disorder that disrupts autonomic body processes, such as blood pressure and heart rate.
“I had a lot of health issues, which is why I had to do homeschool at first,” she explained. “Everything just clicked when I got to Eastern Florida State College. Compared to my health issues, school was the easiest thing in my life. School was, and still is, my rock.”
Health conditions made college life challenging. However, Quinones determined to succeed. She remembers a nearly life-ending moment during her Anatomy & Physiology 1 class, when a pulmonary embolism blocked 95% of her oxygen flow.
“I actually passed out in the Cocoa Science Building. I was not supposed to live,” Quinones recalled. Once she realized she would survive physically, Quinones’ next fear was losing her academic progress. “I thought I was going to fail all my classes, but my teachers were very forgiving. Everybody was there for me. My teachers were calling and checking on me, even two weeks after I was in the cardiac ICU.”
Despite struggling with brain fog and physical exhaustion, Quinones succeeded through the critical support of EFSC professors and administrators.
“It was a bumpy road, and I really thought everyone would brush everything off. But my Anatomy & Physiology 1 professor stopped everything over Christmas break to help me. She walked me through everything, just me and her, one-on-one.”
Quinones also credits her success to the guidance and encouragement she received from her teachers, such as Professor Wayne Brown. She recalls a time when she was nervous about bringing her PTSD service dog to class.
“I feared people would look at me differently, but Professor Brown supported me. He made me feel included, and the class would even bring in treats for my dog,” she said with a smile. “Professor Brown helped me find different resources on how to safely convert into the healthcare world with a service animal. People are going to be different in the real world than in the classroom, especially in the hospital. I’m relieved to learn that pediatric nursing — what I’m interested in — is a good fit for this.”
While completing her studies, Quinones also navigated her personal life — planning a wedding and supporting her fiancé, who was finishing up the Law Enforcement Academy at EFSC.
“We were both rushing through our final semesters. It was chaotic, but somehow everything just clicked, education-wise,” she said.
With the help of supportive faculty and staff, Quinones graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and Scientific Workplace Preparation CCC, which provided the prerequisites needed to move on to a nursing bachelor’s program. After her graduation in August 2024, Quinones celebrated the summer graduation by walking across EFSC’s Commencement stage in December, just two days before her wedding.
“It all felt worth it — the three years of stress, literal death, blood, sweat, and tears,” she reflected. “I walked across the stage and threw my arms up. I finally did it.”
Quinones plans to complete her Nursing BSN through Western Governors University’s unique online program, which facilitates in-person clinical experience and nursing labs in Florida. After becoming a licensed RN, she then plans to pursue a master’s program.
“I was destined for this — for greatness,” she said. “Despite everything, I’m still here. I was destined to save lives as a nurse.”
Her ultimate goal is to provide compassionate, hands-on care as a pediatric nurse, particularly for children and families who are navigating the healthcare system.
“I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences with healthcare professionals. I don’t want to be one of those people,” she explained. “I want parents to know that their child is truly in good hands when they come to me.”
Her message to students who are facing their own challenges, especially chronic health issues, is one of hope, determination, and perseverance.
“If you need to cry, cry. But always pick yourself back up,” Quinones advised. “It is going to be 100% worth it when you have that diploma on your wall.”
“There’s always a reason for change, and you will find your path to success,” she said. “Even if you have to go through blood, sweat, and tears, you’ll make it through. And when you do, you’ll have your steppingstone to success.”
