For those who don’t know Tiffany Maravilla, she may seem like a typical college student. However, upon spending time with her, Maravilla quickly stands out as an extraordinary individual; one who is committed to giving back to her country all its given to her.
Maravilla’s schedule is nothing short of demanding. She’s proven her commitment to serving others as a dedicated nursing student, but even more so by being involved in the Army ROTC program and the Illinois Army National Guard. As part of the Army ROTC, Maravilla starts her day with physical training every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6-7:20 a.m., except for when she has clinicals. Thursdays bring early morning lab sessions from 6-8 a.m. with further nursing responsibilities. Her commitment to the Illinois Army National Guard involves one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer where training consists of classroom instruction and field training exercises.
Maravilla has found being involved in a medical services unit of the Illinois Army National Guard beneficial in her nursing studies.
“Balancing all these obligations—ROTC, Army National Guard, and a rigorous nursing program—was initially challenging,” Maravilla said. “But as I grew more comfortable, I developed a routine and became highly effective in time management.”
As the child of Filipino immigrant parents, both of whom are nurses, Maravilla felt a calling to join the military. She wanted to give back to the country that gave her family the opportunity to build a life here. Maravilla opted for the Army Reserves.
“I picked the reserves so I can still pursue a career in the civilian sector,” said Maravilla. “My goal is to have a balance between my civilian and military careers.”
Maravilla will be a part of the Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps in Colorado.
“I love the outdoors and all the diverse outdoor activities available like mountain biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, and more,” Maravilla said.
Maravilla has accepted a position in the ICU at the VA in Colorado. She aspires to eventually be on a critical care team in the military as a flight nurse. In her civilian career, she intends to further her education as an Advanced Practice Nurse in family practice or anesthesiology. Her mother, a constant source of inspiration, is currently enrolled in a Family Nurse Practitioner program and is set to graduate in September 2023.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maravilla for her service to our country and for proudly representing the Mennonite College of Nursing. Her remarkable commitment and achievements leave no doubt that she will continue to inspire us all. Maravilla, it is alumni like you who make us Redbird proud!
