Mayra Ortega’s journey from Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to nursing clinicals and military drills on the Urbana campus is nothing short of inspiring. A proud first-generation college student, Mayra enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard at just 17 years old. As a 68W Combat Medic, she has spent her entire military career in an MP unit—balancing a deep sense of duty with an equally powerful ambition to grow in healthcare.

Her decision to pursue higher education was driven by her desire to serve others and honor the sacrifices of her immigrant parents, who came to the U.S. from Guerrero, Mexico. “Pursuing college was always the goal,” she said. “Enlisting helped me pay for school, but it also gave me the resilience I needed to keep pushing forward.”

Initially a history major, Mayra’s academic path shifted after working as an EMT/CNA during the COVID pandemic and deploying to Cuba. She returned to school with renewed purpose—this time to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through UIC’s program in Urbana while commissioning through Army ROTC.

Transitioning from the structured environment of the military to the self-managed world of student life came with challenges. “In the Army, everything is laid out. As a student, especially after time away, you have to hold yourself accountable,” she explained. Juggling ROTC training, nursing school, and clinicals has tested her limits—but it’s also shown her just how capable she is.

Support from the ROTC program and the Chez Veterans Center has been instrumental in her journey. “The Chez offers mentorship, social and financial support, and a community that understands the military-to-college transition,” she shared. She’s also built strong peer connections and taken initiative in her campus community.

Mayra has served as an interim executive member of the Illini Vets RSO and co-founded the Hispanic Student Nursing Association (HSNA) through the Urban Health Program. “HSNA is about advocacy and visibility. I want more Hispanic students to see themselves in nursing—and feel empowered to pursue it,” she said.

After graduation, Mayra hopes to work in a high-acuity unit in Chicago or, if on Active Duty, at a major Army medical center like Walter Reed or SAMMC. Long-term, she dreams of becoming a travel nurse and living in cities like Philly or Miami—but she’s always drawn back to Chicago’s energy (and thin-crust pizza, of course).

Memorable moments from her student life range from clinical wins to military triumphs. She recently completed an 8-mile ruck at a 15-minute mile pace—then went straight to clinical. “That day captured what it’s like to be an Army Nursing Cadet—you push through for the bigger goal,” she reflected. Her first clinical procedures, including performing straight caths in a variety of settings, have reminded her of her strength and passion. “Those were my Cristina Yang moments,” she laughed.

Mayra Ortega is a powerful example of what happens when discipline, heart, and service intersect. Her story reflects the strength of military-connected students navigating the rigors of both uniform and academia—and doing so with unwavering purpose.